Emergency Recovery

Emergencies are an inevitable part of life. Emergencies, whether natural (such as bushfires, floods or storms earthquakes) or non-natural (such as chemical incidents, transport accidents or major criminal acts of violence), can occur in any community without warning.

When emergencies occur, people mobilise quickly to assist those affected. A range of Government agencies, as well as municipalities and community groups, are always quick to respond to the hazard, rescue people, treat the injured and control the immediate consequences of the event.

Afterwards, people affected by the emergency may face complex issues that require advice and assistance. Many people will “recover” from the effects of an emergency with little assistance. Others will turn to friends and family for advice and assistance, and some may need formal services.

The State of Victoria has well developed emergency management arrangements, governed by the Emergency Management Act (1986). Recovery from emergencies is an integral component of emergency management, and the State Emergency Recovery Arrangements, governs the way the State handles the recovery from emergencies at a state, regional and local level.

These arrangements also recognise that the recovery from an emergency impacts in four different, but linked ways:

• The social, health and community effects
• The economic effects
• The effects on the natural environment
• The effects on the built environment

The Department of Human Services coordinates the recovery activities across these four areas. More information on the arrangements can be found on the information for agencies page.