Prepare![Residents at a community session in the fire station's truck bay, with brigade members presenting.]()
A community session at the station. Come along and ask about your property and your street.
Get ready for fire and emergencies in Emerald
Each topic answers a question we're often asked. It starts with who to call, then links to CFA, your council and other official sources, who keep their advice current.
Check these on hot days
Is it a fire danger day? Is there a Total Fire Ban? Can I use my barbecue or mower? Is it safe to visit?
Call first
CFA
- Fire danger ratings and Total Fire BansChoose the Central district. Includes what you can and can't do.
- Fire Danger Period datesWhen restrictions start and end in each council.
- Staying safe while travellingFor visitors and day trips.
Cardinia Shire
- HeatwavesStaying well in extreme heat.
Other official sources
- VicEmergency warnings and appSet a watch zone for home and where you're going.
- Bureau of Meteorology warningsHeat, wind and storm warnings for Victoria.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Make your plan
How do I make a fire plan? What should I pack? When should I leave? Is there help in my language?
Call first
CFA
- Make your fire planStep by step. Leaving early is the safest option.
- Bushfire planDecide your triggers to leave and where you'll go.
- What to take with youWhat to pack if you leave.
- Fire safety in other languagesTranslated fact sheets.
- Easy EnglishPlain picture-based guides.
Cardinia Shire
- Preparing for an emergencyCouncil's planning page.
- Emergency plan templatePDFFill in and keep on the fridge.
- Emergency kit checklistPDFWhat to have ready.
- 72-hour preparedness bookletPDFGetting through 3 days without help.
- Ready Get Go bagsPDFAsk council about a free bag: 1300 787 624.
Yarra Ranges Council
- EmergenciesCouncil's planning page.
- Put your emergency plan into actionWhat to do when it's time.
Other official sources
- Red Cross Get Prepared appYour plan and contacts on your phone.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Prepare your property
What should I clear before summer? What is a Fire Prevention Notice? Can I burn off? Who checks a hazard next door?
Call first
We don't do property checks. The brigade does not do Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments or fire hazard inspections. Your council and building professionals do.
CFA
- Preparing for bushfire seasonJobs to do around your home before summer.
Cardinia Shire
- Fire season: hazards and Fire Prevention NoticesWhat council inspects and when.
- Bushfire PrepareFree online lessons on reducing fuel around your home.
- Report a fire hazard on public landOnline form.
- Burning offLocal rules and permits.
Yarra Ranges Council
- Preparing for the fire seasonClearing, inspections and local rules.
- Burning offLocal rules.
- Burning off permitWhen you need one and how to apply.
Other official sources
- Register your burnTell authorities before you burn off, so nobody reports it as a fire.
- Insure itCheck your home and contents cover.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Plan for people, pets and livestock
How do I plan for someone who needs extra help? What do I do with pets, horses or stock?
Call first
CFA
- Planning with people who need extra supportFor older people, people with disability and carers.
- Bushfire plan for people with additional needsA plan template.
- Pets and bushfiresPlan to take your pets with you.
- Horses and bushfireMoving horses early.
- Livestock and bushfireSafe paddocks and stock plans.
Cardinia Shire
- Accessible emergency plan templatePDFScreen-reader friendly.
- Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness workbookPDFFor people with disability, linked by council.
- Deaf Emergency InformationEmergency information in Auslan, linked by council.
Yarra Ranges Council
- EmergenciesCouncil's planning page.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Fire safety at home
How do I get my family out if the house catches fire? Are my smoke alarms working? Is it safe to charge an e-bike inside?
Call first
Plan and alarms (CFA)
- Home fire escape planTwo ways out of every room and a meeting place outside.
- Smoke alarmsWhich type, where they go, testing and replacing.
- Home fire safety checklistA room-by-room check.
- Children and home fire safetyTeaching kids what to do.
Prevent house fires (CFA)
- HeatingHeaters, wood fires, chimneys and electric blankets.
- Electrical firesPower boards, cords and appliances.
- Battery and charging safetyE-bikes, scooters, phones and power tools.
- KitchenCooking safely.
If a fire starts
- If your house catches fire (CFA)Get out, stay out, call 000.
- Using a fire extinguisher (CFA)When to use one and when to get out.
- Car fires (Fire Rescue Victoria)What to do if your car catches fire.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Get ready for storms, floods and power outages
Who do I call about a tree down or flooding? What do I do when the power goes out?
Call first
Cardinia Shire
- Floods and stormsGetting ready and what council does.
Yarra Ranges Council
- EmergenciesStorms, floods and outages.
Other official sources
- VICSESStorm and flood advice. For help, call 132 500.
- Power outagesVictorian Government outage information.
- Bureau of Meteorology warningsStorm, wind and flood warnings.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Get help after an emergency
Where is the relief centre? What help can I get? Who can I talk to?
Call first
Cardinia Shire
- Relief centres and council's roleWhere to get help and supplies.
- Emerald and Cockatoo Emergency Support TeamLocal community group, linked by council.
Yarra Ranges Council
- RecoverySupport after an emergency.
Other official sources
- Insure itMaking an insurance claim.
Still not sure? Ask the brigade (not for emergencies)
Know your local facts
Fire weather districtCentralUse this for fire danger ratings and Total Fire Bans
Your councilCardinia Shire or Yarra RangesOur area covers both. Your rates notice shows which.
Neighbourhood Safer PlaceWorrell Reserve, EmeraldLast resort only.
Fire Danger PeriodDates set by CFA each seasonCheck this season's dates
Emergency radio774 AM · 97.1 FMABC Radio Melbourne · 3MDR
CouncilCardinia 1300 787 624Yarra Ranges 1300 368 333