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Responding to Emergencies

Each Australian state and territory has its own plans and organisations for dealing with emergencies, with national/state coordination, Commonwealth assistance and extra resources when requested.

In an emergency such as a fire, storm or flood, Victorian government agencies, local government, volunteer organisations and communities work together to respond, to save lives and to save property with trained personnel and specialised equipment. These organisations and agencies include:

Country Fire Authority

Country Fire Authority (CFA) has more than 1200 brigades in regions across the state. The mainly volunteer force is strongly supported by local communities in its role within Victoria's fire safety and emergency management.

Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board

The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) responds to fires in buildings as well as other fires such as those in motor vehicles, grass and scrub. It also responds to industrial accidents, hazardous material spills and pollution, and carries out road and industrial rescues. 

Victoria Police

In addition to law enforcement, Victoria Police contributes to a high quality of life for individuals in the community by ensuring a safe and secure society. An important part of this service to the community is the role Victoria Police plays in the prevention, response and recovery activities associated with emergencies in Victoria.

Victoria State Emergency Service

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is a volunteer-based organisation, providing a broad range of search and rescue services. It plans for and responds to floods, severe storms, earthquakes and road accident rescues. It also has a major planning role in supporting government and other agency responses to emergencies.

Ambulance Service Victoria

The Victorian Ambulance Service , through the Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Rural Ambulance Victoria and Air Ambulance Victoria provides paramedic and other emergency response services.

Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority

The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) commenced operation on 1 July 2005. ESTA has legislative responsibility for handling 000 calls, dispatching emergency organisations and providing emergency communications for Victorian communities. ESTA receives around 2,400 calls for police assistance each day and 950 for ambulance.

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Life Saving Victoria

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Life Saving Victoria have important roles in the safety of small craft or people in the water.

Equally important is the role of these agencies in raising public awareness and working closely with local councils and other bodies to prevent emergencies.

Recovery after emergencies

The Department of Human Services, local government and non-government agencies and the local community help in many aspects of emergencies, in particular in recovery after emergencies.

Contact numbers

Police, fire or ambulance: triple zero (000)
Floods and storms: 132 500

Volunteering

There is information on joining or volunteering on the VICSES, CFA, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, and Life Saving Victoria sites.