Whether it's a fire or flood, being prepared and staying calm will help you navigate the best way to stay safe and seek help.
I need help writing a bushfire or emergency plan
That's OK, plans are available for each state and territory. You can find them here:
Bushfire-specific plans
All emergency plans
What should I put in an emergency kit?
Among the items you should have include personal documents and photographs, cash money (in case electronic systems such as EFTPOS machines stop working), toiletries, medication, a battery-operated radio, torch, strong and sturdy shoes, a first aid kit, spare batteries, a mobile phone and charger, non-perishable food, water, personal items needed for vulnerable people including infants, the elderly, disabled and immunocompromised, and a copy of your emergency plan.
I'm in an emergency, what do I do?
Get out your emergency plan: Make sure you have the items in your emergency kit, check that family and neighbours are safe and know what's happening, and know how you prepare to respond to the unfolding events.
Keep informed about developments of the emergency from your local country or metro fire authority, state emergency service and the ABC (the official emergency broadcaster). Don't rely on one source for emergency warning information; use different platforms including the radio, email and social media for updates.
In a bushfire: Make sure you have your emergency kit with you. Refer to your emergency plan and follow it.
Wear long-sleeved natural fibre clothing to protect yourself, turn on sprinklers, shut windows (but make sure you can see out of them so you can watch developments) and doors, and watch for embers.
If you're going to leave, do so early and act decisively - roads may be blocked off and you might not be able to leave.
If you need to leave pets behind, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and food kept in heavy bowls, plus litter. Don't tie them up in case they need to escape.
If you choose to stay and defend, or it's too dangerous to leave, let people know. Stay inside and make sure you have two points of entry if you need to escape, but keep windows clear so you can see out of the property
In a flood: Make sure you have your emergency kit with you. Refer to your emergency plan and follow it.
Move objects that are likely to float as high up as you can.
Sandbag around doors and windows, plus keep sandbags over sewers, your toilets and sinks to minimise floodwater from entering your pipes and into your home.
Leave as early as you can, and don't walk or drive through floodwater.
If you need to leave pets behind, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and food kept in heavy bowls, plus litter, and also keep this high up.
I need to get to a safe place because of a bushfire or flood, where do I go?
Ideally, as part of a bushfire or flood plan, you would have written down where you can go as either a place of last resort, or a safer place where you are at lesser risk. This will save you time and mental strain to work out where to go in either situation. Note that in some states or territories, a "safer place" does not necessarily mean place of last resort.
These places can sometimes be a local sports club, a school, a town or community hall, or other designated area. Check with your local council and state emergency services before the season starts so you know, and keep checking updates from local authorities via the radio, email and social media for information.
Speak to your state or territory's local emergency service to find out where these places are. You can also seek information about finding out where to go via the links below.
Bushfire
Flood and other disasters
I'm struggling and need to talk to someone
The impact of going through a disaster can be tough. Here are some people you can call:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Head to Health (mental health guidance and support): 1800 595 212
Whether it's financial, emotional or community support, there is always a kind ear available to have a chat to.
To find out if you are eligible for other disaster support contact your state recovery hotline:
- In VIC call 1800 560 760
- In SA call 1800 302 787
- In NSW call 13 77 88
- In ACT call 13 22 81
- In WA call the Mental Health Emergency Response Line - 1300 555 788 (Perth) and 1800 676 822 (Peel region)
- In NT call 1800 682 288
- In QLD call 1300 642 255
- In TAS call the Mental Health Helpline (24 hrs) on 1800 332 388
My landline or medical device runs through the NBN. What happens if there's an emergency?
Devices including medical alarms, fire alarms and lift emergencies, let alone telephones, might not work when the NBN goes down, including during a blackout.
For your own connectivity, make sure you keep a mobile phone fully charged and have a portable charging pack as well.
For medical devices, make sure you speak with the manufacturer to find out what alternative connections there might be to keep the device going, or what to do - as different devices have different capabilities, which is made even more complex depending on what type of NBN connection you have.
Telstra is required by the federal government to offer Priority Assistance services to people with a life-threatening medical condition. Note this is only for services using a home phone connection, not your internet or mobile telephone service. Find out more here.
