Returning home after an emergency
We know you want to get home, and we are working hard to make it safe. Don't go back home until emergency services say it is safe. It could still be dangerous in your area.
When emergency services say it's safe safe:
- Be extra aware of how you and other people are driving. Accidents are more frequent after intense stress.
- Look out for hazards like damaged trees and roads, fallen power lines, exposed wires or broken gas pipes.
- Check road closures before you travel via the VicTraffic website.
BetterHealth Channel and Victoria State Emergency Service provide detailed guidance when you are returning home after an emergency.
What you might be feeling
Returning home can be stressful. It’s normal to feel numb, helpless, lonely, angry or hopeful. Understand what you and your family might be feeling before you go home.
Pets
- Your pet’s behaviour could change after a disaster. They could become aggressive or scared until things have settled. Talk to a vet if you are worried.
- Check all fences and gates for damage.
- Scent markers they use to find home might have been affected. Keep them close so they don’t get lost.
- Check for hazards at nose or paw level. Things like spilled chemicals, fertilisers and debris could be dangerous to pets.
- If possible, only bring your pets home after repairs and rubbish has been removed.
Tank water
Your tank water may not be safe to drink after a fire. It could be contaminated from debris, ash, dead animals, aerial fire retardants and water-bombing.
If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not:
- drink
- use for food preparation,
- use for brushing teeth
- give to animals (pets or livestock).
Use bottled water for drinking.
If you disconnected your downpipes before the fire, hose off your roof or wait for heavy rain before you reconnect them.
Read more about bushfires and private drinking water on the Better Heath Channel.
Relief drinking water
Emergency relief drinking water is available to help households affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.
Relief drinking water is a one‑off delivery of up to 20,000 litres of clean domestic water.
It’s available if:
- your household relies on tank water,
- your tank has been contaminated by fire, ash, debris or fire‑fighting activities,
- and your property is within an impacted area.
Households must complete and submit the DEECA form to access this support. Find information about eligibility, maps of impacted areas, and how to apply at Emergency relief drinking water 2026.
Emergency accommodation
Short-term emergency accommodation can help for anyone who can’t go home because of the bushfires. This ensures everyone has a safe place to stay.
You may be eligible if you have no other place to go.
Before seeking this support, people are encouraged to consider options such as:
- contacting family or friends for support
- speaking to their insurance provider about what their policy will cover.
If you don’t have insurance or a place to stay, contact your local council.
Insurance cover
If you can’t stay at home, your insurance might cover temporary accommodation costs. Check your policy details or speak to your insurance provider to find out.
There will be limits on temporary accommodation cover. These are different depending on your policy.
Ask your insurance provider about any time limits or if you have a total budget. This can help you plan.
For example, if where you are staying has a high per night cost, like a hotel or short stay rental, you might use up your budget quickly. Talk to your insurer about staying in a cheaper place. A longer-term rental might be cheaper, which could let you stay longer.
Some more resources:
A variety of factsheets and resources are available to assist you during and after an emergency:
Available support
Cleaning up after a fire
Multilingual resources
Power and utilities
- Using alternative fuel and generators safely during a power outage
- Coping without electricity
- Sewage overflows at home
Multilingual resources
Resilience and recovery
Multilingual resources
If you or a loved one needs extra support, there are services that can help:
- Reach out to family, friends or neighbours
- Contact your GP
- Your child and maternal health nurse
- Contact Lifeline on 131 114
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
