Emergencies can happen at any time and are usually unexpected. Ararat Rural City is exposed to a variety of natural hazards, including floods, fires and storms.
Council and emergency services are here to help in the event of an emergency, but there are things that can be done to ensure the safety of homes and businesses.
It is important that all of the community have an emergency plan and get involved in a community planning to help prepare for an emergency.
Fire Danger Period
Fire Danger Period is currently not in effect within Ararat Rural City Council.
The Fire Danger Period affects the use of fire in a variety of settings, including campfires, burning off, use of machinery and more.
For further information on the Fire Danger Period, please see the Country Fire Authority (CFA) ‘Can I or Can’t I? for an easy reference. If you have any questions, please contact Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator on 03 5355 0297.
Council's role in an emergency
Ararat Rural City Council works in partnership with the community, responsible authorities and other relevant agencies and organisations to prevent and minimise the occurrence of emergencies and their impacts on the community.
Through this collaboration, Council has developed a municipal plan that details strategic actions that occur before, during and after an emergency. Municipal Emergency Management Planning, (MEMP)
For Prevention and management of an emergency, Ararat City Council will:
- Prepare the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) which includes specific sub plans for fires, floods, storms, heatwaves and pandemics
- Implement relevant local government legislation (e.g. fire, health, building and planning)
- Assess hazards and undertake appropriate preventative measures, like private property fire hazard inspections
- Provide support to community resilience-building programs
- Work with other councils across the Grampians region to increase our capacity and capability to respond in an emergency
