Australia's unique geography and climate make us susceptible to a range of natural disasters, from devastating bushfires and floods to tropical cyclones and severe storms. While we cannot prevent these events, being prepared can significantly reduce their impact on our families and communities. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the risks, create an emergency plan, and build a kit that will keep your family safe when disaster strikes.
Understanding Australian Natural Disaster Risks
Different regions of Australia face different natural hazards. Understanding the specific risks in your area is the first step in emergency preparedness.
- Bushfires: Affect most of Australia, particularly during hot, dry summers. Highest risk in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania
- Floods: The most common natural disaster in Australia, occurring in all states and territories
- Tropical Cyclones: Affect northern Australia, typically between November and April
- Severe Storms: Including thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes, occurring across the country
- Heatwaves: Increasingly common and deadly, particularly in southern states
- Earthquakes: While rare, seismic activity can occur anywhere in Australia
Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Every Australian household should have an emergency plan. This plan should be created when there is no emergency, practised regularly, and understood by all family members.
Key Elements of an Emergency Plan
- Meeting points: Designate a safe meeting place near your home and one outside your neighbourhood
- Emergency contacts: List important phone numbers including family, neighbours, emergency services, and insurance
- Evacuation routes: Identify at least two ways out of your neighbourhood and practise driving them
- Pet plan: Know where pets are allowed during evacuations and have carriers ready
- Important documents: Keep copies of essential documents in a waterproof container
- Communication plan: Agree on how you'll contact each other if separated
- Special needs: Plan for elderly family members, those with disabilities, or medical conditions
Write down your plan and share copies with all family members. Review and update it at least annually, or whenever circumstances change (new address, new family member, etc.).
Building Your Emergency Kit
An emergency kit contains essential supplies to sustain your family for at least three days if you need to shelter in place, or to take with you if you evacuate. Store your kit in an easily accessible location and check it every six months.
Essential Emergency Kit Contents
- Water: At least 3 litres per person per day for drinking and sanitation
- Food: Non-perishable items requiring no cooking (canned goods, dried fruit, crackers, energy bars)
- First aid kit: Comprehensive kit with medications for any family health conditions
- Torch and spare batteries: Multiple torches plus a hand-crank or solar option
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: For receiving emergency broadcasts
- Phone charger: Portable power bank, fully charged
- Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records in waterproof container
- Cash: ATMs may not work during emergencies
- Clothing and sturdy shoes: Change of clothes and protective footwear
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene items including toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and feminine products
- Blankets or sleeping bags: For warmth if shelter is unavailable
- Tools: Multi-tool, duct tape, rope
Additional Items to Consider
- Baby supplies (formula, nappies, bottles)
- Pet food and supplies
- Prescription medications (keep a week's supply rotated)
- Glasses or contact lens supplies
- Games or books for children
- Face masks (N95 or P2 for bushfire smoke)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Bushfire Preparedness
Bushfires are one of Australia's most dangerous natural hazards. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, preparation is essential.
Bushfire Survival Decision
The safest option is to leave early on high-risk fire days. If you plan to stay and defend your property, you must be well-prepared, physically fit, and have a properly maintained property. Staying to defend is never recommended for Code Red/Catastrophic days—leaving early is the only option.
Property Preparation
- Clear gutters of leaves and debris
- Remove dead vegetation and fallen branches from around the house
- Keep grass short and remove flammable plants near the house
- Store firewood away from the house
- Ensure water tanks, pumps, and hoses are maintained and working
- Install ember-proof screens on windows and vents
- Have a hose long enough to reach all areas of your property
Bushfire Kit Additions
- Long-sleeved cotton clothing and sturdy leather boots
- Goggles and P2/N95 face masks
- Woollen blankets (for protection if caught in a fire)
- Drinking water (at least 10 litres per person)
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket
Flood Preparedness
Floods can occur with little warning following heavy rainfall, and floodwaters are extremely dangerous. If you live in a flood-prone area, know your risk and have a plan.
Before a Flood
- Know your property's flood risk—check with your local council
- Identify your evacuation route to higher ground
- Prepare sandbags and know how to use them
- Move valuable items to higher levels of your home
- Know how to turn off electricity, gas, and water at the mains
During a Flood
Key Takeaway
Never drive, walk, or swim through floodwater. It takes just 15cm of fast-flowing water to knock an adult off their feet, and 60cm to float a car. Floodwater can also hide debris, downed power lines, and open drains. If it's flooded, forget it.
Cyclone Preparedness
If you live in tropical Australia, cyclone preparedness is essential. Cyclones can cause destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and dangerous storm surges.
Before Cyclone Season
- Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles
- Check that your roof is secure and in good repair
- Identify which room in your home is the strongest for shelter
- Know your local cyclone shelter locations
- Prepare storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows
Cyclone Kit Additions
- Extra water (at least 5 days' supply)
- Can opener and eating utensils
- Tarpaulins and rope for emergency roof repairs
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Mosquito repellent (mosquitoes increase after flooding)
Staying Informed During Emergencies
Access to reliable information during an emergency is critical. Know how to receive warnings and updates:
- Emergency Alert: Location-based SMS and voice warnings sent to mobile phones in affected areas
- ABC Local Radio: Australia's official emergency broadcaster
- State emergency services websites: NSW RFS, CFA Victoria, QFES, etc.
- BOM (Bureau of Meteorology): For weather warnings and forecasts
- Local council websites and social media: For local updates and evacuation information
After a Natural Disaster
The period after a natural disaster can be just as dangerous as the event itself. Take care when returning home or cleaning up:
- Only return home when authorities say it's safe
- Watch for hazards like downed power lines, damaged structures, and contaminated water
- Take photos of damage for insurance claims before cleaning up
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning up debris
- Be aware of your mental health—disasters are traumatic experiences
- Check on neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable people
Be Prepared
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential in any emergency. Browse our range of home and emergency first aid kits designed for Australian conditions. We recommend keeping one kit at home and another in your car.