How can you prepare?

It’s important to prepare for natural disasters and crises. There are 3 main things you can do right now.

1. Put emergency contacts in your phone

Emergency contacts include:

• 000 for the Ambulance, Fire brigade and Police
• 1802 266 for ‍Australian Government Disaster Recovery Assistance
• 1800 727 077 for the Australian Red Cross – for people who have had to leave their homes in an emergency
• 13 11 26 for the Poisons Information Line, if you need information about poison.

You should also have the phone number for a close family member or friend that does not live with you.

To find emergency numbers for your state or territory, you can visit the Australian Government website

2. Write down what you need in an emergency and keep them in a safe place

Things you need in an emergency can include:

• important documents like:
  • birth certificates
  • passports
  • drivers’ licences
  • Medicare card
  • health care or concession cards
  • your medical history
  • a MedicAlert band – a bracelet or necklace that tells people about your medical conditions.
• extra supplies of:
  • medication
  • medical equipment
  • clothes
  • toiletries
  • blankets.
• Other things like a:
  • phone
  • phone charger
  • torch
  • first aid kit.

3. Have a plan

When you make a plan, think about things like:

• where you could stay if you had to leave your home

• how you would get to where you have to go

• who you could ask to help you

• if you need insurance for things
  like your:

• • house
  • car
  • pets
  • health
  • equipment you need like a wheelchair or glasses.

• what you would need if you had to stay away from home for 1 week or more.

If you have animals at home, have a plan about what you will do with them if you have to leave.