As a result of the storms on Tuesday 13 February, the City of Casey has received more than 1,000 requests to our customer service centre.
Our contractors are working to clear the trees as soon as possible. We are prioritising requests based on urgency and impact and appreciate your patience and understanding, as we work through the backlog of requests over the coming days/weeks.
Disposal of disaster waste
Until 30 April 2024, storm impacted residents from across the City of Casey are able to dispose of disaster waste at their local tip free of charge. Upon arrival, residents will need to provide evidence in the form of a driver’s licence or recent rates notice. Residents should contact the transfer station for further details before delivering material. For more information, visit the Household Waste page on our website.
Food Relief
If you need urgent food supplied, please visit askizzy.org.au to find a provider near you.
Compensation
Residents who experienced power outages may be able to claim compensation for power outages via their electricity provider. For more information, visit AusNet or United Energy.
Personal Hardship Relief Payment
For more information regarding State Government Emergency Relief Payment, please call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760, (press 9 for an interpreter).
For more information, visit Vic Emergency's website
Emergency Recovery Victoria also has information on financial support for affected residents. Download the flyer here.
Prolonged Power Outage Payment
To help people still impacted by outages, the Federal and State Governments will provide a Prolonged Power Outage Payment. Households without power for 7 days following the storm are eligible for $1,920 per week for up to three weeks. The payment will help families buy much needed basic items and find alternative accommodation. Power distribution companies will contact eligible customers. For more information, visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.
Domestic wastewater systems/septic tanks
If you suspect your residential wastewater system has been affected by power outage, contact a licensed plumbing practitioner or service agent to have it assessed. Until you are certain your septic system is working properly, minimise your water use.
Power outages and food safety
The most important thing is to try to keep cold and frozen food cold. If food is still cold to touch (less than 5 °C), it is safe to use.
Before and after a power failure:
- Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, it can be kept and eaten for up to 4 hours and then it must be thrown away.
- If it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten.
- Eat hot food within 4 hours of it being heated or throw it away.
- If power is restored when frozen food is still frozen solid the food is safe.
During a power failure, the following actions will keep frozen and cold food frozen or chilled for longer:
- Move food from the fridge to the freezer.
- If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if power failure lasts more than 1 hour.
- Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food, where possible.
- Only open fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary, this will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer.