Extreme weather, COVID-19 and domestic violence: Who to call if you're in an emergency

It's important to know who to contact in an emergency situation, including mental health support and domestic violence services. Here are some of the organisations and contact numbers to know during the festive season.

Source: AAP

As COVID-19 case numbers rise across the country, state-based health services are working to ensure those needing medical attention are tended to.

But it is not only the pandemic that will factor during summer and beyond.

Extreme weather events, such as bushfires and floods, can also be a reason to contact emergency services.

It is also a period when services providing support relating to mental health and domestic violence are crucial.

Here are some of the services available and their contact information:

Triple Zero and extreme weather

Dial Triple Zero (000) in cases of fire, medical or police emergency. For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunamis call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

Triple Zero does not have translators and If you can’t speak English, your call will be transferred to the police in your capital city. Once connected, a translator will be arranged.

Australia also has two other emergency service numbers, but they only work on some services:

• 112 can only be dialled on a mobile phone.
• 106 can only be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a device for the deaf. 106 is a text-based emergency service number for people who are deaf, or who have a hearing or speech impairment.

COVID-19 contacts and vaccination

For information about COVID-19 and vaccines, call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.

This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with additional options for priority groups.

The helpline can assist to locate a vaccine clinic and provide contact information to make a booking, though call takers cannot make a booking on your behalf.

To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, use the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

Beyond Blue runs a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service to help people cope with the effects of the pandemic - their contact number is 1800 512 348.

To connect with an interpreter in your language about information relating to COVID-19 through the Australian Translating and Interpreting Services (ATIS), call 1800 131 450.

You can stay updated with the current restrictions in your state via the restriction checker.

For health and support measures currently in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in your language, visit sbs.com.au/coronavirus.

Non-emergency police and fire incidents

Police Assistance Line - 131 444: Contact the police for incidents other than an emergency.

​Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000: Call if you have information that can help solve a crime.​

For a fire incident other than an emergency contact your state or territory service.

Mental health support and translation services

Lifeline - 131 114: This national charity provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Use the Lifeline Service Finder to locate services in your area.

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800: This is a free telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between five and 25 who are experiencing hardship.

Australian Translating and Interpreting Service (ATIS): 131 450: This interpreting service is provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.

Mensline Australia - 1300 789 978: A dedicated 24-hour counselling service for men with relationship and family concerns.

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636: Provides 24-hour support to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467: A 24-hour counselling service for suicide prevention and mental health via telephone, online and video.

Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277: This is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.

National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007: This is a free and confidential advice service from professional financial counsellors.

Domestic violence support

1800RESPECT -1800 737 732: This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.

Australian Childhood Foundation - 1300 381 581: A national charity that prioritises the safety and welfare of children by providing counselling, advocacy, education, child abuse prevention programs and research.

No to Violence - 1300 766 491: This organisation specialises in effective evidence-informed engagement with men and its primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of women and children.

WESNET - 1800 937 638: Is an advocacy body that works on behalf of women and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic or family violence.

Elder Abuse Help Line - 1800 353 374: Free information and support services for people who experience or witness the abuse of an older person.

For more state-based services for domestic violence click here.