Other emergencies
Fires in the home, dam failures and hazardous materials in the ocean are also types of emergency we can experience in Surf Coast Shire. While these emergencies may not impact the broader community, they are still significant for those who experience them.
Structural fires
Why are structural fires a risk?
A structural fire is a fire that starts in a building - a home, business or other structure - rather than in bush or grassland.
Fires in the home increase significantly over winter, with fires occurring overnight in properties without working smoke alarms the leading cause of fatalities.
Most structural fires are preventable. Common causes include unattended cooking, faulty electrical wiring or appliances, heaters placed too close to flammable items, and candles or cigarettes left unattended. Lithium-ion batteries are also a growing fire risk when they are damaged or charged incorrectly.
Who and what is most at risk?
- Older housing without modern fire safety features
- People who are asleep, affected by alcohol or drugs, or living with a disability that limits mobility
- Homes without working or appropriately located smoke alarms
- Rental and share-house properties where safety checks may be inconsistent
- Lithium-ion batteries that are damaged, overheat, or are charged in an unsafe environment
What you can do
Ensure your home has working smoke alarms installed, and test them regularly.
The CFA is the lead agency for this emergency. The CFA website provides information on home fire safety.
Dam failures
Why is dam failure a risk?
A dam failure is the partial or complete collapse of a dam wall or embankment, releasing large volumes of water suddenly and with little warning. A dam can fail due to extreme rainfall or an underlying structural problem that put excessive load on the dam wall.
This isn't a hypothetical risk for Surf Coast Shire. A dam in Torquay required the evacuation of around 120 homes in 2019 due to the risk of structure failure, and a further leak at the same location in 2020 threatened up to 12 properties.
Who and what is most at risk?
- Homes, roads and infrastructure downstream of dams and retaining structures
- People who may need to evacuate at short notice
- Private landowners responsible for smaller farm dams
What you can do
If the SES issues an evacuation order for a dam failure, leave immediately. Don't wait to see if the wall holds - by the time it visibly breaks, it's too late to move safely.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Water Corporations and the SES are the leads for this emergency for the Surf Coast.
Hazardous materials in the ocean
Why is a hazardous materials release a risk?
This is the accidental release of a dangerous substance - chemicals, fuel, or other pollutants - into the marine or coastal environment. It could come from a vessel, an industrial site near the coast, or a transport incident.
With shipping traffic and marine activity along our coast, there's an ongoing risk of an oil or chemical spill that could affect marine life, beaches and tourism. The Shire has already experienced hazardous chemical incidents on land in Torquay, which shows the kind of response coordination this type of emergency needs.
Who and what are most at risk?
- Marine and coastal ecosystems, beaches and waterways
- People swimming, fishing or working on or near the water during an incident
- Local fishing and tourism industries
- Drinking water catchments and public health if contamination spreads
What you can do
If you spot a spill, report it immediately, but don't touch it - fumes and chemicals can be toxic to humans and pets.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is the lead for this emergency for the Surf Coast.