Preparing and recovering from a natural disaster


Australia is subject to numerous unpredictable natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and bushfires which often occur with little warning.
 
These events can have devastating impacts on people’s lives.
 
The purpose of the guide below is to provide you with information on how to help prepare for a disaster, we trust that you will find the information helpful.
 
Prepare a plan and organise a survival kit
 
In order to be ready for any disaster, it’s important that you should be aware of the relevant emergency services providers in your area.
 
These are organisations such as your local fire service, council and State Emergency Services (SES).
 
You may also care to visit the Emergency Management Australia website at www.ema.gov.au and it’s also advisable to be aware of the Bureau of Meteorology warnings for weather conditions, so that you are aware of what might be around the corner.
 
The Bureau of Meteorology website is at www.bom.gov.au.
 
1. Prepare a plan:
 
  • Firstly, consider the emergency accommodation you could use if you weren’t able to go back into your home.
  • Have a plan on how to evacuate your home quickly in case of such an emergency and ensure that everyone in your home knows the evacuation plan and that you have practised it.
  • There should be one emergency meeting destination and everyone should have an emergency contact number to phone. 
  • Know how to disconnect the gas, water and electricity.
  • Learn basic first-aid procedures, so that you can assist others in need.
  • Review your insurance cover and know exactly what it does and does not cover and update it if necessary.
  • Make a list of all important phone numbers and contacts, so that you can have them on hand in an emergency.

Prepare a “vital items kit” to protect your valuables:
  • Scan important documents and put them onto a CD or memory stick and store them in a waterproof/fireproof safe.  There are also computer websites for storing documents and photos such as www.evernote.com and www.picasa.google.com
  • Items to be scanned include: Insurance papers, marriage and birth certificates, wills and passports, mortgage papers and banking documents, passport and ID documents, prescriptions and medical details.
  • Make sure your pets have identification tags and that you have food and water for them in any emergency kit.
  • Make sure you know your neighbours, in times of distress, a “strong community spirit”, is important and can be of great assistance to helping those in need. (Make sure you know your neighbours’ phone numbers and vice versa, ensuring that you are aware of any elderly neighbours who might need extra help in emergencies.)
  • Make sure that you have regular check-ups of the various safety devices in your home i.e. smoke alarm batteries (test your alarm weekly), fire extinguishers.
  • Ensure that house gutters are clear of leaves and remove any tree branches hanging near your home.
 
2.    Prepare A Survival Kit:
 
You should have on hand, in a convenient, easily accessible spot, a Survival Kit with the various items you might need if you have to leave your home quickly.
 
This should be in a waterproof, sturdy container and should contain important things such as:
  • Emergency food and water – Food should have a long shelf life and contain items high in energy. A good website to visit for advice is www.pantrylist.com.au. Suggested inclusions are snack food, long life food, ready-to-eat food, health supplies and pet food if you have a pet.
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape for temporary shelter.
  • Battery powered or wind-up portable radio – to keep informed during the natural disaster.
  • Torches – with spare batteries. If you choose to make candles part of your survival kit, make sure you include something which is fireproof for them to sit on.
  • Matches in a separate watertight container.
  • A whistle to signal for help.
  • Goggles and dust masks.
  • Garbage bags for personal sanitation.
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Can opener.
  • Local maps.
  • Cash.
  • Medications if you need to leave your home quickly, medication is one of the important things you need to take with you.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tampons/pads, etc.
  • Blankets and sleeping bags If you have to leave your home for an extended period these are must haves.
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Light weight rain coats.

If you or someone you know is in a position where you or they have lost everything, Real Insurance has prepared a check list of all the personal documents you will need to recover as well as the departments and contact details on how to do so in each state.  Please click here to access this information about recovering from a disaster.   

The information contained within this document is of a general nature. While all due care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we take no responsibility and expressly disclaim all liability incurred by any person in connection with the document or its contents to the extent permitted by law.