The First 72 Hours

Expect the unexpected

Emergencies can be hard to predict, and emergency services may be unable to reach you in a disaster. The First 72 Hours supports you to create an Emergency Plan for your household or business. 

What will you do for the first 72 hours if you have no access to services such as power, water, gas, reception, road access, or limited food?

Building a safer and more resilient community is a shared responsibility across everyone in Victoria, not just those in the Emergency Management sector. 

1. Make an Emergency Plan

Download the Emergency Plan template and fill it out using the following prompts:

• What emergency event is your plan for? Is the event a flood, fire, storm, or another emergency?
• Who needs to be considered in your plan? Do you need to consider household members, neighbours, or immediate family who don't live in the same house as you?
• Who is your emergency contact? Who can you reach out to in an emergency situation? 
• Where will you go if you have to leave home? Do you have family or friends nearby? Do you need to book a place to stay?
• Where do you get your information from? Do you know websites to visit and what radio stations to listen to?
• How will you evacuate or travel somewhere safer? Will you drive yourself or will you get a lift with someone else?

2. Back up your information

Consider the important things to save: 

• Emergency Plans 
• Identification (for everyone in your household)
• Important documents (such as medical information, finances, and insurance) 
• Home inventories (including photos of your possessions, house assets, receipts or warranties) 
• Contact list (of family members and utility providers) 

3. Prepare an emergency kit

Gather and store items ready to support you and your loved ones for 72 hours. Consider if your emergency kit will include: 

• Water or food 
• Medication 
• First Aid 
• Radio and batteries 
• Torch 
• Toiletries
• Documents
• Clothes
• Money 
• Childrens' needs
• Pets' needs 

4. Stay informed

It is important to tune into official and accurate information channels to stay informed with the facts before, during, and after an emergency. 

Partners and collaboration

The First 72 Hours is delivered by Alpine Shire Council and Moira Shire Council in conjunction with Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC) and in consultation with the Hume Region Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group.