Federation & Berrigan councils launch '72-Hour' Emergency Preparedness

In a joint initiative, designed to bolster community safety, Federation Council and Berrigan Shire Council have announced a comprehensive emergency preparedness mail-out to all households across both regions.

Commencing from Monday, January 19, every household will receive a physical emergency toolkit in their mailbox. This includes the acclaimed '72-Hour' campaign materials and a paper-copy emergency plan template designed to help families survive and thrive during the first three days of an unexpected emergency event.

The campaign arrives at a critical time, as the region watches the impact of devastating bushfires currently burning across Victoria. These nearby events serve as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change and the vital importance of self-sufficiency when emergency services may be stretched thin.

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook emphasised that preparation is a shared responsibility.

"The heartbreaking scenes currently unfolding in Victoria underscore that emergencies don't wait for us to be ready," Mayor Cook said.

"By providing every resident with a physical 72-hour plan template and emergency information, we are ensuring our community has the tools to act decisively. Having a plan ready to enact is the difference between chaos and safety when the unexpected occurs."

Berrigan Shire Mayor, Cr Julia Cornwell McKean highlighted the importance of the physical mail-out.

"While we live in a digital age, during a fire or flood, power and internet are often the first things to go," Mayor Cornwell McKean said.

"This mail-out ensures every household has a hard copy of their emergency procedures. We urge all residents to take the time to sit down with their families, fill out the plan, and discuss where they will go and what they will take. It is timely, it is important, and it could save lives."

The '72-Hour' campaign focuses on the critical window following a natural disaster. It guides residents on how to prepare an 'Emergency Go-Bag', manage household utilities, and establish communication protocols when standard networks fail.

Residents in the Federation and Berrigan local government areas can expect to see the packages in their mailboxes from January 19. For those seeking more information in the meantime, digital resources from Council's website.