Disaster Preparation (Lifestyle Recovery)

Are you and your family prepared for disaster? If you are like most people, the answer will be no. Forward planning for a disaster can be a daunting task. Questions can often arise like ’What will I need’?, ’Where will we go’? and ’How can I help’?. The best response is to be prepared.

To ensure you save time and certainly a lot of stress, a few basics actions are:

1. Have an emergency plan
   

   Record important contacts and numbers so they are first hand to all family members and discuss the plan with everyone.

2. Prepare for evacuation
   

   Organise and discuss with all family members where and how you will leave and get to know your local evacuation areas. If separated they may become your meeting point.

3. Build your evacuation kit
   

   This will include all essential items you and your family will need until you return home from food and water, clothing and medicine. The first 72 hours are usually the worst so make sure you pack enough.

4. Prepare your home
   

   If you live in flood prone or bushfire prone areas then your home needs to be prepared for when the worst hits. This can be from tidying the garden to turning off power but simple steps may be the deciding factor on whether your home remains in one piece.

5. Tune in
   

   If you are lucky to still have power, then utilise the media and know what stations, channels and websites will be vital. From weather updates, evacuation updates and emergency services that are operating, they are an important source of information.

6. Check your neighbours
   

   Make sure you communicate with neighbours and ensure they are okay, especially the elderly and vulnerable. It may be wise to include their details in your evacuation kit in case you need to contact them.

7. Pet evacuation plan
   

   Often forgot when disaster happens, ensure your pet has an evacuation plan also. Record all their information in case of separation or if you have enough notice, plan to take them somewhere safe.

Learn more about Disaster Preparation by following the link(s) below.

References

1. Preparing for disasters ( qld.gov.au)