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Dealing with emergencies

Emergency claims advice

In the case of an after hours emergency, please phone (03) 9270 6888 and a VMIA representative will be available to assist you.

To find out how and when to contact the VMIA in case of such emergency situations, view our frequently asked questions.

Priorities in the case of an emergency

Your first priority is to take immediate steps to safeguard employees and members of the public by removing them from the vicinity of the damage. This should be done before attempting to secure property and premises.

You should not return unless you have ensured it is safe to do so. This includes disconnecting power to damaged premises, ensuring that hazards such as fallen trees, loose or broken roof tiles and sheeting are isolated and removed, and excess water has run off (in the case of a flood).

Emergency repairs to render premises safe and secure should be carried out as a matter of priority. The cost of carrying out emergency repairs at your request will be met as part of your policy coverage. For more information on steps to take after an emergency, view our frequently asked questions. 

Resources

State Emergency Service (SES)

The State Emergency Service provides a range of guides and checklists to prepare properties and businesses for floods and storms. Also available is the SES Emergency Toolkit, a guide to staying safe, including tips from the SES about preparing for a storm or flood, what to do during the event and what to do afterwards. 

Country Fire Authority (CFA)

The Country Fire Authority provides a range of guides to prepare properties for bushfires. Also included is a range of planning tools to increase your organisation’s preparation for major fire events.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services provides information about what to do in the case of an emergency, including flood assistance.

 Save the dates for VMIAs 12013 Risk Conference 16-17 October

VMIA’s premier risk event will be held on 7 and 8 October 2013.

Domestic Building Insurance image

An insurance of ‘last resort’, DBI provides cover where the contracted building work is incomplete or defective in cases where the builder is deceased, has disappeared or become insolvent.