Help after a storm

Storms can cause significant damage and disruption of individuals, households and communities.

At Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), we work with local councils and other government agencies to coordinate relief and recovery for people and communities.

This means we can connect you with services that can help you if you’ve been impacted by a major storm.

We also deliver recovery programs for people impacted by a major storm.

Immediate help after a storm

Relief may be available if you have been affected by a storm.

Relief is help you may be eligible for during and directly after an emergency.

It helps you meet your immediate needs, like food and a place to stay. Information about relief is available on the VicEmergency website.

If you have been told you can’t return to your home, you need to find somewhere else that is safe to stay. Contact family and friends and ask for help.
If you don’t have somewhere to go to, call your local council(opens in a new window). They can discuss what options may be available to you.
An Emergency Relief Centre may also be open near you. Locations are published on the VicEmergency website(opens in a new window).

Recovery programs

Recovery support aims to bring back quality of life and community services to how they were before a storm.

If your property was affected by the February 2024 Victorian storms, you may be eligible for recovery support.

If you’ve been affected by a different emergency, there are general services that can provide you with help or advice.

Recovery services, wellbeing and support

Find out more about the support, advice and counselling available as you and your family recover from storms, bushfires or floods.

Resources

Translated information about Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV)

Find out how to get help after a bushfire, flood or storm, in languages other then English.

Returning home after a storm

After a storm has passed, conditions may still be dangerous. If there are fallen powerlines, stay more than 8-to-10 metres away. Standing near fallen powerlines can be fatal.

If you have evacuated, do not return home until emergency services say it is safe to do so. When returning home, watch for hazards such as fallen trees or storm debris.

You may also experience a range of physical, mental and emotional reactions when returning home after a major storm. If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Information and factsheets

Australian Red Cross – Returning home and coping after crisis

Practical tips to help you cope and clean up following a fire, flood or other disaster.

VicEmergency – Returning home

General information to consider when returning home after a storm.

VicSES – Storms – Plan and stay safe

Tips from the VicSES about how to prepare for storms, as well as what to do during and after.

Victorian Building Authority – Storm and flood information

Advice for residents about what they can do if their property is impacted by storms.

Insurance Council of Australia – What to do after a severe storm

Advice on when to contact your insurance company and how to document damage.

Stories of recovery

The aftermath of a storm is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging.

Read about how we have worked with individuals, local councils and community groups to support recovery and resilience after a storm.

Warning: The content on these pages discusses floods, storms, and bushfires. This may be distressing for some individuals.

Image shows a man holding a fish he caught in Dunyak Moira fishing lakes

Rescued root balls breathing life into community fishing ponds

The re-imagination of a disused water treatment plant and 2 ponds has resulted in a new haven for both fish and fishing enthusiasts, thanks to rescued root balls.

Recovery progress

Find out about recovery progress and actions after previous storms.