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The First 72 Hours

What would you do if you were in an emergency situation and couldn't receive professional help for 72 hours?

Expect the unexpected

What will you do for the first 72 hours if you have no access to services such as power, water, gas, reception, road access, or limited food?

Emergencies can be hard to predict, and emergency services may be unable to reach you in a disaster. The First 72 Hours supports you to create an Emergency Plan for your household or business. Building a safer and more resilient community is a shared responsibility across everyone in Victoria, not just those in the Emergency Management sector. 

A circular logo with the words The First 72 Hours in the centre and the following instructions along the exterior of the circle: Make a Plan, Back Up Information, Prepare a Kit, and Stay Informed.
The First 72 Hours Logo

On this page

The First 72 Hours program

The First 72 Hours
The First 72 Hours Flyer Page 1
The First 72 Hours Flyer Page 1
The First 72 Hours Flyer Page 2
The First 72 Hours Flyer Page 2
A horizontal orange rectangle with the words 1. Make an emergency plan and a graphic of paper with a pen.
1. Make an emergency plan

1. Make an emergency plan

Download the Emergency Plan template and fill it out using the following prompts:

  • What emergency event is your plan for? Is the event a flood, fire, storm, or another emergency?
  • Who needs to be considered in your plan? Do you need to consider household members, neighbours, or immediate family who don't live in the same house as you?
  • Who is your emergency contact? Who can you reach out to in an emergency situation? 
  • Where will you go if you have to leave home? Do you have family or friends nearby? Do you need to book a place to stay?
  • Where do you get your information from? Do you know websites to visit and what radio stations to listen to?
  • How will you evacuate or travel somewhere safer? Will you drive yourself or will you get a lift with someone else?
A horizontal yellow rectangle with the words 2. Back up information and a graphic of a computer connected to a file with dotted lines.
2. Back up information

2. Back up information

Consider the important things to save: 

  • Emergency Plans 
  • Identification (for everyone in your household)
  • Important documents (such as medical information, finances, and insurance) 
  • Home inventories (including photos of your possessions, house assets, receipts or warranties) 
  • Contact list (of family members and utility providers) 
A horizontal light blue rectangle with the words 3. Prepare a kit and a graphic of a briefcase.
3. Prepare a kit

3. Prepare a kit

Gather and store items ready to support you and your loved ones for 72 hours. Consider if your emergency kit will include: 

  • Water or food 
  • Medication 
  • First Aid 
  • Radio and batteries 
  • Torch 
  • Toiletries
  • Documents
  • Clothes
  • Money 
  • Childrens' needs
  • Pets' needs 
A horizontal dark blue rectangle with the words 4. Stay informed and a graphic of a radio.
4. Stay informed

4. Stay informed

It is important to tune into official and accurate information channels to stay informed with the facts before, during, and after an emergency. 

Stay ahead of news and updates during an emergency

Key agencies

Prepare for a fire with CFA
Prepare for a storm or flood with VICSES
Create a RediPlan with Red Cross

Resources in other languages

How to use The First 72 Hours in your community

Partners and collaboration

The First 72 Hours is delivered by Alpine Shire Council and Moira Shire Council in conjunction with Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC) and in consultation with the Hume Region Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group.