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There are actions you can take to support yourself and family. Your family and friends can be a great support, but you can contact the services listed below for extra support if you, or someone you know, is:
• feeling overwhelmed and unable to handle intense feelings or physical sensations • showing physical stress symptoms • finding that relationships with family and friends are suffering • using more alcohol or drugs • being physically or verbally violent • experiencing other significant changes in their behaviour.
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. https://www.vic.gov.au/Recovery-services-wellbeing-and-support Trauma affects the whole family in different ways When a family is affected by a crisis, everyone in the family will react in a different way. Understanding distress reactions and their effect on family dynamics can help the family to cope. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you think your family is struggling to recover. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trauma-and-families https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trauma-and-children-two-to-five-years https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trauma-and-teenagers-common-reactions https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trauma-and-teenagers-tips-for-parents Support for businesses Partners in Wellbeing is a free and confidential helpline available seven days a week. Speak to trained financial counsellors, business advisers and wellbeing coaches for confidential 1:1 support. Call 1300 375 330.
If you have been impacted by past thunderstorms, it is understandable if you are feel concerned and experience a mix of strong emotions or physical reactions at the outset of storm. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and finding things difficult, there are some practical strategies you may find helpful, accessible through the links below:
• https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/disaster-hub/ • https://www.redcross.org.au/prepareyourmind/ • https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/disasters/preparing-for-disasters • https://emergingminds.com.au/?s=disaster • https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/ef974a06-9172-4a44-9486-6e62919e342c/20aps-is-preparing-for-natural-disasters.pdf
If you were impacted by bushfires in western Victoria, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong emotions or physical reactions right now.
It’s important you are prepared physically and mentally for the risks.
If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and finding things difficult, you can:
• CFA’s Landscaping for Bushfires • A guide to retrofit your home for better protection from a bushfire • Bushfire best practice guide • Contamination of drinking water in tanks from fire retardants during a fire • Talking to children openly and actions regarding bushfire preparation and response • Accessible bushfire information in other languages Can I clear trees and vegetation when preparing my property? Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe in a bushfire. But you must know what you can and can’t do without a permit. If you live in a rural or regional area you may not need a permit to clear trees, branches and scrub from around your home. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/clearing-trees-and-vegetation Planning for your pets and animals What will you do with your pets on fire risk days? You need to plan and prepare for the safety of your pets and other animals. Prepare an emergency kit for all household members, including your pets. This should include pet medical history, vaccination certificate and veterinary contacts. In an emergency, you and your pet may have to leave your property at very short notice. A pet emergency kit will ensure that everything your pet needs is easily identified and can be transported with your pet to its temporary accommodation. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/pets-and-bushfires and https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/farms/horses-and-bushfires Business - What are the six steps to prepare my business for a bushfire? Businesses also need to plan and prepare for bushfires. In the event of a bushfire that's likely to affect your business, these steps will help you keep you, your staff and clients safe, while giving your business the best chance of recovery. Having a disaster recovery plan will allow you to adapt more quickly to change and minimise the risk of disruption to your business. https://business.vic.gov.au/learning-and-advice/hub/6-steps-to-prepare-your-business-for-a-bushfire
Some things you can do to support recovery include:
While it is natural to think about what is still to be done, remember to keep track of your progress in recovery and what has been achieved as well. Stay positive and encouraging, even if at times, everyone needs to talk about their fears and worries. Remind yourself that families get through the hard times and are often stronger.