Mini vic.gov.au

This is a low bandwidth version of vic.gov.au. Contents may not be up to date. © Copyright State Government of Victoria

Help after a storm

Relief and recovery support for people and communities in Victoria affected by major storms.

On this page

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 or call 1800 226 226.

Open all

Information on power outages can be found on your energy distributor’s website. You can find your energy distributor at Find your energy distributor(opens in a new window).

After a storm happens in Victoria, financial support may be available.

You might be able to get an Emergency Relief Payment from the Victorian Government.

You may also be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.

Visit the VicEmergency website(opens in a new window) for information about what help is available.

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.

February 2024 Victorian storms

Recovery programs for people affected by the storms in Victoria in February 2024.

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 than 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.

Building and Plumbing Commission – 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.

Rebuild and repair your home after a disaster

Whether you’re dealing with bushfire, flood, or storm damage, this page helps you understand what steps to take to rebuild and repair your home safely.

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.

Supporting recovery after the storm

Shane and Diana, managers of the Lake Jubilee Holiday Park talking to our film crew about their experience during the June 2021 Flood and Storm.

Rebuilding after the storm

A case study about rebuilding after the June 2021 flood and storm. Michael and Marilyn’s story

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.

Safety & emergencies

Updated 16 September 2025

About the VIC Government

Grants and programs

Jobs and careers

Arts, culture and heritage

Business and the workplace

Communities

Education and training

Environment, water and energy

Finance and economy

Health and social support

Housing and property

Law and justice

Safety and emergencies

Science and technology

Sport and recreation

Traffic and transport

Working in the Victorian Government