Emergency assistance
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.
Current emergency support:
- Christmas Day storm and flash flooding: emergency information for Victorians affected by the storm.
- Flood assistance: information for people affected by floods.
A separate support website is available for those affected by the floods of 2010 and early 2011. See www.dhs.vic.gov.au/floods - 2009 bushfire recovery: information for people affected by the 2009 bushfires.
- Children and crisis
Children have their own ways of dealing with trauma according to their stage of development. Often their response is not what may be expected and may not show up for some time. Parents and others often worry and frequently are not sure of the best way to help them. This fact sheet outlines the common reactions of children who experience traumatic events or hear about them happening to their family or friends, and it suggests ways of helping them.
