Municipal Emergency Management Plan

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Municipal Emergency Management Plan

Like all municipalities in Victoria, Monash has its own Municipal Emergency Management Plan for handling natural disasters and emergencies. This plan, coordinated through the Victoria Police by a Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator, sets out the procedures to be followed when Council and Community Resources are required in the case of an emergency.

Monash is generally a low risk area, however storm, flood damage, major transport emergency or chemical spillage may require an appropriate and prompt response. It is important for residents to know how the Municipal Emergency Management Plan operates and what to do in an emergency.

Under the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, many services can be called in to help including Ambulance and Fire Services; Local Council; Service Authorities; Victorian Department of Human Services; Other State and Federal Government Departments, and the media. These organisations have a specific role to play, depending on the nature of the emergency and the need at the time.

How To Prepare For Emergencies

You can prepare for an emergency by keeping supplies such as candles, torches, first aid kits, and canned food etc. All members of the family should know where these supplies are kept in your house.

Do not depend on power and telephones as they will often fail in an emergency. Radios may be your only means of contact during an emergency - ensure you have a battery powered radio and keep spare batteries handy.

Know how and where to turn off your gas, electricity and water. By keeping the Monash Community Information Directory by your telephone, this information and a list of emergency services numbers will be handy.

What To Do In An Emergency

Stay tuned to a battery powered radio or TV where possible, to avoid electricity use. A Standard Emergency Warning signal is often used on radio or TV to precede official messages.
Listen carefully as the messages will include instructions on what is happening and what you should do.
The warning signal does NOT mean to evacuate. Police will attempt to notify non-English speaking members of the community with the use of interpreters and ethnic radio stations, however residents should take some responsibility for looking after neighbours who may be elderly, sick or do not speak English.
Protect pets by ensuring that they can be moved readily if evacuation is necessary.
Use your phone only for emergency.
Keep lines clear for essential calls.
If you are not affected, stay home leaving the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

A number of evacuation centres have been established by Council within the municipality. In the event of an emergency you may be instructed to evacuate by a Police door-knock in your area, or by Radio/TV messages. You will be advised at the time of the location of the evacuation centre to which you should report.

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Updated: 21 May 2007

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