Health and wellbeing
Experiencing a disaster can be overwhelming. It can affect your mind, body and emotions.
If you're feeling stressed, anxious or unsettled, you are not alone.
Support and advice is available to help you and those around you:
If you've been through a bushfire before, the disaster might bring back difficult memories and feelings of sadness, fear, and grief.
Recovery looks different for everyone and it can take time.
Strong emotions are a natural response to what is happening. Talking about your feelings and staying connected to others can help.
If you are finding things hard, asking for support is a sign of strength and often the first step in recovery.
Air quality
Many areas in Victoria are smoky even if they are not in bushfire risk areas.
If you are having trouble breathing or tightness in your chest seek urgent medical help and call Triple Zero (000).
Limit your time in smoky conditions. People vulnerable to smoke should avoid the outdoors. Close windows and doors to keep your home smoke-free.
If you are worried, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24.
Learn about air quality and what you can do to manage your health in smoky conditions at Smoke | epa.vic.gov.au
Family violence support
There is a link between disasters and an increase in family violence. It can happen to anyone. Call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT is free, 24/7. Even if you’re not sure you’re experiencing family violence, you can talk to a counsellor to get help.
- Text something like 'hello' to: 0458 737 732
- Chat online at: 1800respect.org.au
- Call: 1800 737 732
Men’s Referral Service works with men who are worried about their behaviour and want to change.
- Call: 1300 766 491 (8am – 9pm Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm weekends)
- Chat online at ntv.org.au
Alcohol and drug help
DirectLine can help you take control of your alcohol or drug use.
- Call: 1800 888 236
- Chat online at: directline.org.au
Crisis support
If you or a loved one needs extra support, speak with a local doctor, mental health professional, or counsellor. Call Triple Zero (000) if in immediate danger.
Lifeline offers confidential 24/7 support. They exist so no one has to go through their darkest moments alone.
- Call: 13 11 14
- Text: 0477 13 11 14
- Chat online at: lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue can help when you need information to support others, or when you feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
- Call: 1300 224 636
- Chat online at: beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor/chat
Young people
Kids Helpline offers free 24/7 counselling for youth (ages 5–25). They can talk about anything big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now.
- Call: 1800 55 1800
- visit: kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace can help when young people are feeling stressed or overwhelmed (ages 12–25).
- Call: 1800 650 890
- Chat online at: headspace.org.au
- Visit: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/natural-disasters
Power outages
Power outage information is on your energy distributor’s website. Find your energy distributor at Energy Victoria.
Staying safe when power is out
The most important thing to do in a power outage is to stay safe.
- turning off appliances
- avoiding fallen powerlines and keep others away
- being careful using temporary generators.
A property with significant damage may have problems with electrical wiring. Use a licensed electrician to check safety and turn your power back on.
Other tips for staying safe is on the Energy Victoria website.
Staying cool in a power outage
To stay cool:
- wear loose clothing
- drink lots of water
- take a cool shower
- use a spray bottle or dampened cloth to keep skin cool
- close doors, windows and curtains to keep hot air out.
If you can’t keep cool at home, cool down at places like a public pool, or air-conditioned buildings.
Food safety and handwashing
Taking basic precautions can help keep your food safe to eat during emergencies.
- There are steps you can take to help keeping food frozen and cold when the power is out, see Food safety during power outages.
- Fires release ash, chemicals and other dangerous substances that can affect your food, see Food safety after fire.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly. This helps stop you from eating contaminants and prevents the spread of infectious diseases like gastro, see Handwashing - why it's important.
