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Emergency preparation in focus

By Contributed

Oct 13, 2025

Rochester SES is encouraging locals to prepare for storms and floods this month. Photo: Emily Donohoe

October is a good time to prepare for storms and floods and to review emergency plans.

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This month, flyers will be delivered by Rochester SES around town with ideas for preparation and things to think about for your emergency plan.

Included in the flyer is a form for priority persons within the town.

If you have a family member, friend, neighbour, or are a carer for someone who you think needs extra help to understand emergency warnings and what to do, please chat with them about being included on the list, which will be held by the Rochester SES Unit.

This list of persons and their details will only be used in the event of an emergency.

The SES will endeavour to make extra effort to spend time with those on the list to be sure they understand what the emergency is and what they need to do.

Thursday, October 16, is the Great Shake Out Day, focused on earthquake preparation.

Victoria has had 79 earthquakes over magnitude 3.0 since 1994.

In the Woods Point quake in 2021, only 3.1 per cent of people took the right action.

There are no warnings for earthquakes, so it’s best if you practise every year what to do.

If you feel an earthquake, do not run outside, simply drop, cover and hold. More information can be found at ga.gov.au/about/earth-science-week/the-great-shakeout