Safety in Nature: What to do in a bushfire or natural disaster

The Yarra Ranges is a stunning destination, with its lush forests, charming villages, and welcoming accommodation providers. We love sharing this beautiful part of Victoria with visitors from near and far. However, as with many regions blessed with natural beauty, we're also in an area where there's a small possibility of bushfires, damaging storms, and other natural disasters. Particularly during the warmer Summer months.

Your safety is our absolute priority. If you're staying with us during the unlikely event of a bushfire, severe storm, or other emergency, here's what you need to know to stay safe and informed.

Plan Before You Arrive

Check Current Conditions

Before travelling to our region, especially during the bushfire season (typically November to April), check the fire danger rating and any warnings in place. Even if you've booked accommodation, conditions can change rapidly, and it's essential to stay informed.

Visit the Emergency Victoria website or download the VicEmergency app to check for any current warnings or watch-and-act alerts in the region.

Discuss Plans with Your Accommodation Provider

When you book, don't hesitate to ask your accommodation provider about their emergency procedures. Locals know the area well and can provide valuable advice about what to expect and how to respond if conditions deteriorate.

Key Information Sources

During an emergency, accurate and up-to-date information is crucial. Emergency Victoria is your most reliable source:

Emergency Victoria

• Website: emergency.vic.gov.au
• VicEmergency app (available for iOS and Android)
• Hotline: 1800 226 226

This is your primary source for real-time warnings, incident updates, and official advice during any emergency in Victoria.

Other Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers handy:

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
• SES (floods, storms, fallen trees: 132 500
• VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
• Nurse-On-Call: 1300 606 024

Parks Victoria

• Website: parks.vic.gov.au
• Phone: 13 1963

For information about park closures, fire restrictions, and conditions in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and other nearby parks.

Local Councils

• Yarra Ranges Council: yarraranges.vic.gov.au | 1300 368 333
• Nillumbik Shire Council: nillumbik.vic.gov.au | 9433 3111
• Cardinia Shire Council: cardinia.vic.gov.au | 1300 787 624
  

Local councils can provide area-specific information and emergency updates.

Bureau of Meteorology

• Website: bom.gov.au

For weather warnings, fire danger ratings, and severe weather alerts.

ABC Local Radio

• ABC Radio Melbourne (774 AM)
• ABC Radio Victoria (during emergencies, all ABC stations become emergency broadcasters)

Your lifeline for emergency broadcasts when power or internet may be unavailable.

What to Do During a Bushfire Emergency

If a Warning is Issued:

1. Stay Calm and Stay Informed: Check VicEmergency regularly for updates. Emergency warnings can escalate quickly.
2. Follow Official Advice: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Don't wait to see how things develop.
3. Communicate with Your Host: Let your accommodation provider know your plans. They may have additional local knowledge about safe routes.
4. Know Your Route: Identify your evacuation route before you need it. Main roads are generally safer than back roads during a fire.
5. Don't Return Until It's Safe: Even if the immediate danger has passed, don't return until authorities say it's safe. Fallen trees, damaged power lines, and unstable structures pose ongoing risks.

If You're Caught in a Fire:

If you cannot safely leave:

• Stay inside a solid building if possible
• Close all doors and windows, and block gaps with wet towels
• Fill sinks and baths with water
• Stay away from windows
• Monitor VicEmergency and ABC radio
• Call 000 if you're in immediate danger

Never Try to Outrun a Fire on Foot. Fires can travel faster than you can run.

Other Natural Disasters

Our region can also experience severe storms and flooding.

For your safety, please obey all closure signage and barriers, even if it isn’t immediately obvious why an area is taped off. Remember- never enter floodwater.

During Severe Storms:

• Stay indoors and away from windows
• Avoid travel if possible
• Never drive through floodwater
• Be aware of falling trees and branches
• Report fallen power lines to 000 or 13 17 99 (Powercor)

During Floods:

• Never enter floodwater on foot or by car
• If trapped by rising water, move to higher ground
• Follow evacuation orders immediately

A Word About Preparedness

We know that thinking about emergencies isn't the fun part of planning your getaway. But being prepared means you can relax and enjoy your stay with peace of mind. Our region is spectacular and welcoming, and for the most part, uneventful when it comes to natural disasters, but we want you to experience it safely.

The local State Emergency Service (SES), CFA volunteers, and emergency services work tirelessly to keep our community and visitors safe. By staying informed and following their advice, you're helping them do their job effectively.