Department of Health

Emergency preparedness in residential aged care services

Naturally occurring hazards such as bushfires, heat, floods and storms can and do happen in Victoria.

The Department of Health & Human Services has a series of resources and information to support residential aged care providers with their planning and preparedness for natural hazards such as bushfires, heatwaves, floods, storms and earthquakes.

In an emergency

When a residential aged care service in Victoria requires an immediate response from police, fire or ambulance the number to call is triple zero (000).

When a residential aged care service provider makes any decision to relocate residents or shelter in place in an emergency situation, they need to notify the Australian Department of Health - Victorian office, when it is safe to do so by telephoning the Emergency Advice and Response Line on 1800 078 709 or email emergency.victas@health.gov.au.

The Department of Health also provides a question and answer sectionExternal Link on risk management for emergency events in residential aged care.

Emergency preparedness and emergency management planning resources

The department's goal is for all organisations that deliver services within the health and human services sector, including residential aged care services to be well prepared for all emergencies and have emergency management plans appropriate for their clients, staff and communities.

The department's Emergency preparedness resourcesExternal Link have been developed to provide information and advice to services about emergency management planning and preparedness activities.

Reviewed 25 October 2023

Health.vic

Contact details

Australian Department of Health Emergency Advice and Response Line

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