We know that the community will come up with some great ideas for how we can be better prepared but here a few we have been kicking around: - Having a satellite phone/internet and UHF/VHF radio at multiple places around town so we have some communication around the township when there is no phone coverage or internet connection - Creating a stockpile of masks, water, blankets, first aid kits at various locations - Developing a list of what people might need (eg. assistance in relocating to a relief centre) and what they could offer (eg. chainsaw to help remove fallen trees) in a - Making a map of key locations and resources around town (eg. defibrillators, battery banks, place of last resort). - Designing and distributing fridge magnets for holiday homes to educate holidaymakers on where they can access information in an emergency.

The Surf Coast Shire Council do great things and we all know the CFA are simply amazing... but in a massive fire or large scale emergency, they might be stretched thin or unable to reach us or support us straight away. While we aim to work closely with the CFA and the Surf Coast Shire, the plan is being written by locals for locals to fill an identified need from those within our own community. Plus we believe the people who live on these streets know what we need better than someone in an office in Torquay or Melbourne.

It's brand new in 2026. We launch the idea at the AIDA Summer Forum and the Aireys Market in January. We had our first community meeting at the Aireys Pub on the 2nd of February and only recently got this website up and running.

Start by joining the email list below and check back here for updates. We currently meet monthly at the pub so let us know if you might be keen to come along. Share ideas, concerns, or skills when ready and be as involved—or as hands-off—as suits you.

Where do I get information in an emergency?(https://emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#where-do-i-get-information-in-an-emergency) Learn how to use the Vic Emergency App(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piPiTaIRxrc) Fire Safety Translations(https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/publications/fire-safety-translations) Learn about the Fire Danger Rating System (https://afdrs.com.au/#cta)and knowing what to do How to prepare psychologically f(https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/bda90c77-4c33-4122-b03a-e385d6aaaa63/20aps-is-preparing-for-bushfires-p1-(1).pdf)or a bushfire Preparing children f(https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/70ac95cc-3847-497e-bee6-0ecfec844014/20aps-is-preparing-children-bushfire-p1-(1).pdf)or the threat of a bushfire Get Prepared is an easy-to-use app that empowers you to make important decisions ahead of time by completing your RediPlan (https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/prepare/get-prepared-app/) CFA resources on before and during a fire(https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire) SES information about Storms (https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/storm?p_l_back_url=%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dstorm) In an emergency, you’ll need some basic supplies: Read about preparing an Emergency kit (https://wimmera72.com.au/get-an-emergency-kit/)

https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/documents/8655930/9320193/Aireys+Inlet+Local+Flood+Guide+LFG.pdf/71eb8324-0a23-1edf-7092-29f21fc68d52?t=1772595836218(https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/documents/8655930/9320193/Aireys+Inlet+Local+Flood+Guide+LFG.pdf/71eb8324-0a23-1edf-7092-29f21fc68d52?t=1772595836218)