There are simple and practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, pets and livestock, and your most valued possessions:

• talk with your family about what to do in an emergency and develop a plan together - information on what to consider in the development of an emergency plan can be found at Vic Emergency - prepare and get ready, and Red Cross - Get Prepared
• make sure your plan includes your pets and identifies a meeting point that the whole family is aware of
• practice your plan
• have an emergency kit packed with some essentials including medication
• have a contact person for you or your family to call and report on your safety
• know the hazards or risks that are present in your area
• review your insurance policies, ensuring the type and sum insured is appropriate for you
• get to know your neighbours 
• learn about your community's emergency plans and warning signals
• download the VicEmergency app
• know where to get information.