Current emergencies

While there are currently no emergencies in Mount Alexander Shire, fires continue to impact communities across Victoria and NSW.

On the 1 January the Victorian Premier declared a State of Disaster for six local government areas in East Gippsland and North East Victoria for seven days.

People in affected areas are encouraged to register with the Red Cross at Register.Find.Reunite via register.redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 727 077, or contact the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226) to speak to someone about recovery.

Managing emergencies is a responsibility shared by individual residents, agencies and the community. You can play a vital part in your community emergency management effort by planning for an emergency, finding out how to plan and prepare for bushfires and being familiar with your local Bushfire place of last resort.

Make sure you continue to stay informed via emergency agencies and resources (see information below).

In true Aussie spirit community members are eager to make a donation of money or goods. The best way people can help impacted communities is by making a financial donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal or other official charities.

The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, dedicated to helping Victorians impacted by the recent bushfires.

• To make a donation to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal at any Bendigo Bank branch or online via vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal
• To make fodder donations for livestock contact the Victorian Farmers Federation 1300 882 833 or visit vff.org.au
• To make a donation to assist native wildlife contact Wildlife Victoria visit wildlifevictoria.org.au.

• Go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
• Listen to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
• Phone the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about recover on 1800 226 226 (freecall).
• People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
• For help with English, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
• Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicstorms) or Facebook.
• Monitor the latest weather information at the Bureau of Meterology - www.bom.gov.au.
• Find out the latest information on power outages.

For community information on what to do before, during and after a bushfire visit Better Health Channel's Bushfire Emergency Information web page.

For more about storm safety, how to get ready and know what to do, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/stormsafe.

Agriculture Victoria is responsible for coordinating animal welfare response and recovery activities.
• Contact Agriculture Victoria AW assessment damage and loss number on 1800 226 226
• Call the RSPCA for temporary emergency accommodation on 03 9224 2222 or visit rspca.org.au
• For injured animals, ring Wildlife Victoria’s 24 hour contact line on 13 000 94535 or wildlifevictoria.org.au
• For information on how to rescue and support wildlife visit WIRES and Wildlife Victoria.