Responding to emergencies and natural disasters in schools and early childhood services
We ensure schools and early childhood services are prepared for emergencies and natural disasters.
On this page
- Emergency management plans
- Resources about emergencies, natural disasters and extreme weather
- Resources to help you become fire-ready
Emergency management plans
Every school (government and non-government) and early childhood service has an emergency management plan that outlines responsibilities, procedures and actions in the event of an emergency.
Parents should be familiar with the details of the emergency plan for their child’s school, kindergarten or child care centre, and raise any queries or concerns directly with the school or early childhood service. Parents are also advised to ensure that their contact details, including mobile phone numbers, are up-to-date.
Schools have also had access to curriculum resources to assist in preparing students for the threat of emergencies.
We are committed to ensuring all schools and early childhood services (including kindergartens and child care centres) are as ready as possible for dealing with emergencies including natural disasters. The safety of children and staff is paramount.
Early childhood and school closures
This page lists early childhood services, schools and bus routes that are currently not operating. Updated daily morning and evening.
Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR)
Information on the BARR, including a list of the schools, kindergartens and early childhood services assessed to be most at risk of bushfire.
Schools and early childhood services at risk of grassfire - Category 4
Information on the schools and early childhood services at risk of grassfire - Category 4 List, including a list of all schools and early childhood services.
Bushfire and grassfire preparedness: school operations policy
This policy outlines actions schools and early childhood services must take in relation to bushfire and grassfire risk.
Emergency management in early childhood services
An emergency is an incident, situation or event that may adversely affect the safety or health of any occupants or visitors at the service or family day care residence.
Managing bushfire and grassfire risks in early childhood services
Information for early childhood services on how to plan for and manage bushfire and grassfire risks.
Resources about emergencies, natural disasters and extreme weather
- The department’s regional offices
- VicEmergency(opens in a new window) – the state’s primary site for emergency warnings which shows incidents in Victoria on a real-time Google Map display
- Country Fire Authority (CFA)(opens in a new window)
- Fire Rescue Victoria(opens in a new window)
- Victorian Bushfire Information Line (24 hours) 1800 240 667(opens in a new window)
- Department of Environment and Primary Industries(opens in a new window) – Fire and emergencies
- Bureau of Meteorology(opens in a new window)
- Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council(opens in a new window)
- Victoria Police(opens in a new window)
- Department of Human Services(opens in a new window) – Emergency Management
- Victorian Government Health Information(opens in a new window) – Flood Hazards
- Chief Health Officer(opens in a new window) – Victorian health alerts
Resources to help you become fire-ready
Links to resources to help you prepare for the fire season.
- Bushfire Education(opens in a new window) – the Victorian Government’s teaching and learning materials
- Plan and Prepare(opens in a new window) – CFA’s suite of resources on planning and preparing for the fire season
- Kids and Schools(opens in a new window) – CFA’s resources on fire safety for children and schools, including teaching resources and educational games
- CFA YouTube(opens in a new window) – keep up-to-date with regular summer safety update videos from the Emergency Management Commissioner
Updated 26 March 2026
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