Shire Administration Office

Emergency Preparation Resources

You can’t get back what you’ve lost. 

We want everyone to be prepared for an emergency, whether it’s a fire, flood or other crisis. Too many conversations after an emergency begin with “I wish I had…” People wish they’d taken the kids’ baby photographs, kept their passports safe, upped their insurance, or checked in with their neighbours. It’s these conversations that drive us to empower everyone in our community to prepare.

MENTAL HEALTH SAFETY AND SUPPORT

I'M WORRIED ABOUT LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE

For concerns about the native wildlife affected in the area of emergency, you can visit the DPIRD website via the link below or by calling (08) 9368 3333. If you're unsure, you can also give our Rangers a call on (08) 9780 4200.

Livestock & Animals (DPIRD)

If you have any further concerns and require support, you can contact:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

You can contact the Department of Communities for assistance via 1800 032 965, or visit their website:

Department of Communities

Alternatively, you can also apply for a Crisis Payment online through Services Australia. This could provide you with a one-off non-taxable payment if you’ve experienced an extreme circumstance and are in severe financial hardship.

Services Australia

LAND MANAGEMENT

The Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development is available for those with a farm and who are recovering after being affected by bushfires. 

DPIRD

For those who are concerned about local rivers and creeks, you can refer to the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC) via the website below for information and resources, including on fencing revegetation.

Lower Blackwood LCDC

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, these volunteers provide labour and tools to assist with rebuilding fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed. To get in touch with BlazeAid, please visit their website below or contact the Shire.

BlazeAid

POWER AND WATER SUPPLIES

It’s likely that your gas, electricity and water have been shut off or disconnected during an emergency. You will need to wait for the suppliers to send a qualified tradesperson to inspect and repair any damage, plus arrange for reconnection. If you are insured, your insurance company can organise this for you. If you are not, you will need to sort this out yourself.

Western Power

You may be able to make a claim and receive compensation if you lost power for over 12 hours during an unplanned outage.  has plenty of information and advice available on how to prepare for an outage.

Outages

Make a Claim

Water Corporation

A map is available that shows what is happening in your area, live - you might also like to browse the other resources available on the Water Corporation website. You can also call their 24/7 line for urgent assistance for faults during emergencies via 13 13 75.

Outages & Works Map

Bushfire Help & Advice

Water Issues Directory & Guides

Healthy WA

The state Department of Health (Healthy WA) has resources and information on what you can do if your drinking water is unsuitable for consumption, including advice for rainwater tanks..

Healthy WA 

Bush Fire Brigades & Other Information

If you would like to volunteer to join a local bush fire brigade, contact your local Fire Brigade directly. You can browse the various documents and information relating to fire and emergency management, safety, and bush fire brigades below.