Responding to emergencies like fires and floods requires large-scale coordination across multiple government departments, municipal councils, volunteer groups, private organisations and communities.
The Department of Health works to enhance and protect the health and wellbeing of all Victorians during emergencies that have major health consequences.
State Health Emergency Arrangements
The State Health Emergency Arrangements are an array of operational response plans, protocols and guides.
Emergency type
Natural disasters in Victoria are most likely to be floods, bushfires or heatwaves. Other natural disasters can be storms, earthquakes, tsunamis or pandemics.
Department's responsibilities in emergencies
During an emergency, the Department of Health has a number of responsibilities related to planning, preparing, response and recovery.
Health services’ responsibilities in emergencies
Hospitals, health services and community health services are essential to keeping our communities safe during major emergencies.
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