Emergencies may not be something we think about often, but they are occurring more often and are more severe, with the impacts of climate change.

Local councils work hard to support communities during emergencies, which is why they also work to prevent emergencies and disasters and act fast when they strike.

Councils and emergency prevention

Local councils play an important role to help reduce the impact of disasters when they occur. With strong ties to the community and knowledge of local resources, they often know how to respond to local needs and priorities.

To help prepare for emergencies, local councils:

• keep up to date with forecasts and warnings so they can prepare for extreme weather events
• communicate with residents, businesses and organisations in their area about potential risks
• inform people in their area about the impacts of an emergency or disaster.

Many councils have an emergency management plan. These plans set out what your council will do to reduce hazards and prepare for emergencies. They also include what your council may do during and after an emergency.

Many councils also have helpful guides for the community to plan for and prevent emergencies in their homes.

How councils plan for emergencies

Councils are guided by the state government’s State Emergency Management Plan. They also follow the Local Government Emergency Management Framework. The State Emergency Management Plan sets out everyone's roles and responsibilities in an emergency, including local government.

Your council belongs to an Emergency Management Zone. There are 11 Emergency Management Zones in South Australia.

You can learn about the risks of natural disasters and hazards for your zone in the Zone Emergency Management Plan for your area. These plans have practical information on how you can reduce the impact of an emergency.

During an emergency

In an emergency, local councils collaborate with government organisations, businesses and the community. They work closely with the South Australian Police, state government and emergency services.

When an emergency happens, councils are ready to respond. This might include:

• supporting current incident operations
• coordinating council staff
• changing plans for events or programs
• managing traffic and trees, clearing roads or closing roads
• communicating with communities about local impacts.

During severe weather such as declared fire danger days, heavy rainfall or storm surges, council services may be affected   . This might include council offices, libraries and community centres.

Services such as waste collection or community transport may also be affected. Check with your council to find out more.

Councils and the recovery effort

Local councils support recovery after an emergency has passed.

They lead, coordinate and advocate for the community when they're affected by disasters. They prioritise the safety and wellbeing of communities throughout each stage of recovery.

This can include support to rebuild and restore community infrastructure. Councils also help residents and businesses get back up and running as quickly as possible. Some councils coordinate support services and resources.

Staying informed of emergencies

For a list of emergency services visit SA.GOV.AU - Where to get emergency advice and warnings