Emerald and Cockatoo Emergency Support Team

21/10/2025

Some great preparation tips in this post from Vic Emergency.
Prepare now for storms and damaging winds forecast for Wednesday.

21/10/2025

PREPARE NOW for forecast storm and damaging wind conditions across Wednesday (tomorrow).

Download the VicEmergency app and monitor warnings and conditions in your area.

⛱Secure loose items in your yard.
🔦Review your supplies of batteries, water, generator fuel, non-perishable food etc

📞Call SES 132 500 for emergency storm damage assistance
☎️Call Triple Zero 000 for life threatening emergencies

💡🔌Report power outages to Ausnet 13 17 99 and track outages at www.outagetracker.com.au

💨☔️⛈https://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDV21037.shtml

The Bureau's new website is scheduled to go live on Wednesday 22 October 2025. Explore the new website today at beta.bom.gov.au.

19/10/2025

💻Are you part of a local community group, sporting club, or business?
💣Have you tested your emergency plan?
🧨Or you don't have an emergency plan?

📌If so, this FREE Emergency Planning Desktop Exercise should be on your list....

Registrations close 7 November, booking link below and details in the image.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/is-your-organisation-recovery-ready-tickets-1497810354089

*Please note this workshop is not open to individuals or private residents - the content is developed specifically for organisations.

18/10/2025

Great reminder from Emerald Fire Brigade - Please check your recent burn-offs today.

09/10/2025

Prepare now for potentially damaging winds on Friday.

With damaging winds developing Friday morning across southern and elevated parts of the state, there is a risk of localised power outages. Locations which may be affected include:
- Central
- South West
- West and South Gippsland
- East Gippsland
- North Central
- North East
- Wimmera

Keep an eye on www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings for the latest warnings.

To be prepared, make sure you have access to:
📱 a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers
🔦 a torch or battery-operated light
📻 a battery-powered radio for alerts and updates
⛑ an emergency kit
🥫 non-perishable foods and bottled water

Stay safe by keeping clear of fallen powerlines – always assume they are live – and report any fallen powerlines to your electricity distributor.

If you are a registered power-dependent customer, ensure your power outage plan is updated and in place.

To find out how you can prepare for power outages, visit www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety/power-outages or phone 136 186.

03/10/2025

Here’s a timely reminder with the forecast conditions for Sunday. Thanks Cockatoo Rural Fire Brigade(CFA)

With warm and windy weather expected for Sunday we are asking you all the please check your recent burn-offs have been properly put out and are cool to touch.
The planned fuel reduction burn at 3rd Ave has been cancelled for this Saturday due to the expected wind on Sunday.
If you'd like some further information on burning-off safely please come and see us for our Open Day on Sunday between 11am and 2pm at the Fire Station. And please check council restrictions before starting your fire and register all burns on 1800668511. Thanks!
https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/burningof

01/10/2025

This Sunday 5 October at Cockatoo Rural Fire Brigade(CFA)

If you'd like help with preparing for the upcoming fire season, please come to our Open Day at the Cockatoo Fire Station, 11am to 2pm this Sunday!
Activities for kids and a Fire Safety Essentials presentation at 1pm.

02/09/2025

COCKATOO residents - we have been asked to share the below opportunity for you to participate in a research study.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We're inviting people who live in your area to share their views on bushfire.

Register your interest by completing this 10-minute survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac2WeryE2IL6Tki

If selected, you’ll be invited to take part in a 45-minute online or phone interview and you’ll receive a $30 e-gift card for your time.

If you have any questions, please contact Bernice Plant at [email protected].

This study is being conducted by Monash University in partnership with the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) as part of the Safer Together program, and has the approval of Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: 46417).

29/08/2025

Prepare now for forecast damaging winds later today and tonight.

25/08/2025

Are you part of a local community group, sporting club, or business? If so, this FREE Emergency Planning Workshop should be on your list.... booking link below and details in the image

Remaining places limited, bookings close this Friday.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-prepared-is-your-organisation-tickets-1497795439479

*Please note this workshop is not open to individuals or private residents - the content is developed specifically for organisations.

24/08/2025

Our communities are fortunate to have such great support. Thank you Cockatoo Rural Fire Brigade(CFA) and Emerald Fire Brigade for all the work you have undertaken to be able to respond as part of this program.

07/07/2025

Severe weather is expected across our network from tomorrow morning (Tuesday 8 July).

Damaging winds gust up to 90km/h and rainfall are predicted in the north eastern suburbs, across to the Dandenong Ranges and towards Warragul. Blizzard conditions are also possible in Alpine areas.

These conditions can increase the risk of trees falling on powerlines, causing power outages across our network.

Customer and community safety is our priority - here are some tips to help you be power prepared:
- Life support customers, please be ready to activate your emergency plan. Call our priority line anytime on 1800 818 832.
- If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For emergency services, call the SES on 13 25 00.
- Keep away from fallen or damaged powerlines, assume all wires are live.
- Report faults and emergencies on 13 17 99.
- Look out for fallen trees and debris and never enter floodwaters.
- Have battery operated torches and radios in a place easy to access - keep spare batteries handy too.
- Charge your battery packs so they're ready to power your mobile phones.
- If you have an electric water pump, stock up on bottled water.
- Make sure you can open your garage or fence manually so you can leave your home if the power goes out.
- Fill an esky with ice to keep your food and drinks cool.
- Keep some cash on hand in case electronic payment systems go down during an outage.
- If your power goes out, check Outage Tracker for latest restoration times: www.outagetracker.com.au

Please stay safe and share this information with friends and family.