In the face of a natural disaster, the first 72 hours are crucial for safety and survival - and it all starts with being prepared.

Campaspe Shire residents are being asked to prepare for the first 72 hours following a natural disaster by using a new emergency management plan that aims to bolster community resilience.

Campaspe Shire Council acting chief executive Michael Sharp said that the First 72 Hours initiative is a collaborative effort with various councils to provide the community with resources to develop a safe course of action in the occurrence of a natural disaster.

“Emergencies can be hard to predict, and emergency services are in high demand in disasters,” Mr Sharp said.

“If you had no access to power, water, gas, road access, reception and limited food, the plan helps you prepare for these scenarios and ultimately, keep you safe.”

It’s as simple as four steps.

1. Make an emergency plan

This step asks you to consider: what the emergency is? Who is the plan for? Who is the emergency contact? What the course of action is for your household? Where will you go if you have to leave? Where will you get your information from? How will you evacuate or travel?

2. Back up information

Make sure to save emergency plans, identification, important documents like medical information, insurance, finances, home inventory such as photos of possessions, house assets, receipts or warranties, and a contact list with family members and utility providers.

3. Preparing a kit

Gather and store enough supplies to last you and your family for 72 hours, such as food, water, medicine and first aid, torch, toiletries, radio and batteries, documents, clothes, money, childresn needs and pets needs.

4. Staying informed

Ensure to tune into accurate and official information channels to stay informed before, during and after an emergency.

Rely on these official channels for accurate information: VicEmergency website: emergency.vic.gov.au VicEmergency hotline: 1800 226 226, Official emergency radio broadcasts

For more information about the First 72 Hours initiative visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/thefirst72hours

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Wednesday, 29th May 2024

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