How to prepare for a natural disaster
Being prepared for an emergency can save lives and enable you and your loved ones to get your lives back on track more quickly.
Planning who will help you if you need assistance to evacuate in an emergency is really important. Will it be a family member, friend, neighbour or service provider? Talk with them and know what will happen, when and with whom.
The Australian Red Cross identifies 4 steps to prepare your household for a natural disaster or emergency:
- Be informed
- Make a plan
- Get an emergency kit
- Know your neighbours.
These steps are outlined in the emergency REDiPlan—a booklet developed for people with a disability and their families and carers to help with preparing for emergencies.
A Queensland version of the booklet has been developed in partnership with Emergency Management Queensland and the Australian Red Cross.
The emergency REDiPlan is available in the following formats:
For more information, visit the Department of Community Safety website.
Register for evacuation if you need assistance
Some local councils have an evacuation register of people who may need help to get to safety in a natural disaster. Ask your local council. This local government directory allows you to search for your local council's contact details.
If you are supported by family or other carers, confirm evacuation and support arrangements in advance.
Other tips
Here are some other tips to help you prepare for a natural disaster:
- Tune into local radio for weather updates and community service announcements. Make sure your battery-operated radio works. You can find your local AM or FM commercial radio station frequency or local ABC radio station.
- Register for free severe weather alerts on the Australian Early Warning Network. You'll get an email, SMS or recorded message to your home phone if potentially dangerous weather is heading your way.
- Microchip your cat or dog. Microchipping involves the insertion of a small electronic identification device into an animal's skin. Lost dogs or cats can be returned to their homes more quickly if they are microchipped and family details are kept up-to-date. The microchip database can be used to track pets anywhere in Queensland. Read more about microchipping your dog or cat.
