Ready together—why planning matters
Queensland experiences a range of emergencies such as storms, floods, cyclones, bushfires, heatwaves, power outages and health emergencies which can affect communities across Queensland in different ways. Around 1 in 5 Queenslanders live with disability, so it is important to ensure emergency preparedness, information and support are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Emergency preparedness and disability inclusion
People with disability are part of every community and have the right to be safe, informed, included and supported during emergencies.
This includes the right to:
- maintain their safety and wellbeing
- information that is easy to understand
- health care, food, water and shelter
- support that meets their individual needs
- make informed choices
- dignity and respect
- be included in planning and decisions.
People with disability can face additional challenges during emergencies.
These may include:
- inaccessible emergency information and warnings
- limited access to transport
- power loss affecting essential equipment
- difficulties accessing medicine, food, health care, or personal care support
- support workers being unable to visit or provide services
- inaccessible or unsuitable evacuation centres or recovery services
- difficulties communicating or not being asked what support they need.
Emergency planning needs to consider these individual needs.
Why inclusive planning matters
Planning together encourages communities to plan ahead and include people with disability in emergency preparedness. Inclusive planning helps communities understand local needs, identify potential barriers and put supports in place early.
When communities plan together, they can:
- identify local risks
- know who may need support
- share accessible information and warnings
- build connections and trust before an emergency
- reduce confusion when emergencies occur
- support people to stay safe at home where possible
- provide safer and more suitable evacuation responses
- keep essential services running
- help people recover sooner.
Inclusive planning strengthens communities by encouraging people to work together and look out for one another. When family, carers, neighbours, organisations, emergency services and people with disability are connected, they can share information, provide support and respond more effectively to changing circumstances.
For example, inclusive disaster risk reduction resources are available for service providers to help people with disability who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness before, during and after emergency events. These resources were co-designed with people with lived experience of homelessness, people with disability, professionals in the community and emergency services sectors, and representatives from local governments around Queensland.
A simple conversation before, during and after an emergency can make a big difference. By working together and including people with disability in planning and decision-making, communities become safer, more connected and more resilient for everyone.