How to prepare, respond and recover from a natural disaster

You won’t get a calendar invite for a natural disaster. That’s why preparation matters.

Victorian communities have weathered it all – bushfires, floods, storms and drought. The damage goes beyond homes and businesses, touching people’s livelihoods, wellbeing and sense of community.

Rural Financial Counselling Service West Victoria (RFCS – West Victoria) recently supported businesses after the 2024–25 Western Victoria bushfires. Here are their top tips for preparing, responding to and recovering from natural disasters.

Before the disaster: preparing and planning

Preparation is the most effective defence against disaster. Taking time now to plan can make an enormous difference when the unexpected happens.

1. Create an emergency plan

Every business should have a simple, written plan that outlines the following:

• Evacuation routes and safe meeting points – know where you’ll go if you need to leave quickly and how you’ll get there.
• Emergency contacts – include family, neighbours, your local council and emergency services.
• Medical needs and supplies – keep medications, first aid and important documents accessible.
• Pet and livestock arrangements – plan how to transport and shelter animals safely.

You can use resources like the VicEmergency website, your local council’s emergency management guide or our disaster resilience for business toolkit to create your plan.

2. Prepare an emergency kit

Have a grab-and-go kit ready year-round. It should include:

• battery-powered radio and torch (with spare batteries)
• bottled water (at least 3 days’ supply per person)
• non-perishable food
• first aid kit and essential medications
• copies of identification, insurance and financial documents
• phone charger and power bank
• cash (in case EFTPOS systems are down).

Keep your kit somewhere easy to access – ideally near your main exit.

3. Protect your property

Regular maintenance can help reduce damage. This can include:

• clearing gutters, drains and down pipes
• securing outdoor items that could become airborne
• trimming trees near structures
• checking your insurance coverage for natural disaster events and update if necessary.

If you live in a flood-prone or bushfire area, know your local risk level and the official warning channels. Stay alert during high-risk seasons.

4. Safeguard your finances

Financial preparedness is often overlooked but is just as important.

• Keep small amount of cash onsite and ensure that you have access to either your cards or phone for managing bank accounts.
• Store copies of critical financial documents (digitally or in a waterproof bag).
• Create a business continuity plan that outlines how you’ll manage operations if disrupted.

During the disaster: staying safe and informed

When a disaster hits, safety comes first. Keep calm, follow your plan and listen to official information.

1. Stay informed

Use trusted sources during an emergency.

• VicEmergency app or website for warnings and information.
• ABC local radio for emergency broadcasts.
• Local council and CFA/SES social media for updates.

Avoid relying on unverified social media posts or rumours – they can be misleading in fast-moving situations.

2. Follow official instructions

Warnings will be issued when an emergency is likely to impact your area. You will be provided with information on what is happening and the best advice on what you should do.

Keep communication devices charged and accessible.

In Victoria there are three levels of warning:

• Emergency Warning – you are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately.
• Warning – an emergency is developing near you and you need to take action now to protect yourself.
• Advice – an incident is occurring or has occurred in the area. Access information and monitor conditions.

Emergency services may also issue evacuation notices.

3. Prioritise people over property

Your safety, and that of your staff or family, comes before possessions. Belongings can be replaced, lives cannot.

Check on neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable community members, if it’s safe to do so.

If you leave your home or business, take your emergency kit and essential documents. Notify someone outside the affected area of your location and plans.

After the disaster: recovery and rebuilding

Once the immediate danger has passed, the focus shifts to recovery. This stage can be the hardest, both practically and emotionally, but there is support available.

1. Check safety before returning

Wait until authorities declare it safe to return. Once you do:

• Watch out for hazards such as unstable structures, downed power lines or contaminated water.
• Photograph damage before beginning clean-up – these records are essential for insurance and disaster relief claims.
• Use protective clothing when handling debris or cleaning disaster-affected areas.

2. Contact your insurance provider

After it’s safe to return to your property, contact your insurer as soon as possible to start your claim, even if you don’t yet have all the details. Early notification helps speed up the process.

Keep copies of all documentation and save receipts for any urgent repairs, replacement items, or temporary accommodation, as these may be covered under your policy.

Good records, photos and early communication can make a real difference in how quickly your claim is processed and how smoothly recovery progresses.

3. Seek financial support and advice

After a disaster, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You might face income loss, repair bills or delays in insurance payments.

Financial support and business advisory services can assist farmers and small business owners in regional areas with:

• navigating government disaster assistance programs
• managing debts or loan deferrals
• budgeting for recovery
• developing a forward plan for business or household stability.

Reaching out early can prevent problems from compounding later. Skilled advisors can help navigate businesses through the process of applying for support and completing forms.

4. Look after your mental health

Recovery isn’t only about rebuilding – it’s about healing emotionally, too. Many people experience anxiety, grief or guilt after a disaster. These feelings are natural responses to trauma. Talking about your experience helps.

• Contact your GP or a wellbeing professional if you’re struggling.
• Reach out to local services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
• Review Business Victoria’s Workplace Wellbeing resources.
• Access RFCS’s Wellbeing Program which offers free, confidential support for farmers and small business owners in regional Victoria and can include assisting with natural disasters, financial hardship or rural stress.

5. Reconnect with community

Disasters often bring communities together. Attending local recovery events, volunteering or supporting neighbours can foster connection and resilience.

Sharing stories helps everyone realise they’re not alone in recovery and that rebuilding is a shared journey.

Building long-term resilience

Each disaster offers lessons in preparedness and resilience. After recovery, take time to reflect.

• What worked well in your plan?
• What would you do differently next time?
• Are there steps you can take now to reduce future risk?

Simple actions like elevating electrical systems, creating defensible space around the building or investing in better warning systems can make a real difference.

Stay connected

Stay up to date with local emergency management information and agricultural and business support networks.