Gannawarra Shire Council says residents will be better prepared for future emergencies thanks to the release of new emergency preparedness material.
In partnership with Mallee Family Care, CFA, VIC SES and the Australian Red Cross, the council has produced an emergency checklist fridge magnet and additional resources.
The resource was introduced following a recommendation from the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee.
Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said recent disasters in the area highlighted how little warning residents could have when an emergency occurred.
“The Emergency Checklist — Plan and Prepare material encourages residents to prepare now for the next emergency, which will reduce the stress they may face when evacuating to somewhere safer,” Mr Rollinson said.
Three tasks that can be completed now are listed on the fridge magnet: make an emergency plan, take photos of important documents to assist insurance claims, and collect items for an emergency evacuation kit.
“Any tasks that you can complete now will alleviate the stress of preparing your loved ones for evacuating during our next emergency,” Mr Rollinson said.
The emergency checklist magnets are available at Cohuna and Kerang neighbourhood houses and council customer service centres, and Mallee Family Care’s Kerang office.