How to prepare for disaster
With the storm and cyclone season upon us there are a few practical steps that you and your family can take to prepare for disasters - steps as simple as checking that your house and contents insurance is current and adequate, stocking the pantry, preparing an emergency kit and getting to know your neighbours. Putting in that bit of groundwork before disaster strikes can make all the difference when it counts.
When flood waters devastated Emerald and surrounding districts in January this year the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. Up to 2000 people were directly affected with many families on the gem fields facing major structural damage to their homes. The power was out, people couldn’t get to work, the school year was delayed and an outbreak of mosquitoes and midges posed a serious health threat.
The Department of Communities plays an important community recovery lead role in restoring the emotional, social, economic and physical well-being of the affected community after a disaster. It establishes Community Recovery Centres that serve as a main communication hub where members of the public can access information and assistance that will help them get back on their feet.
Coral Coast Lifeline psychologist John Maybanks, who supported those affected by the flooding from the initial onset of the crisis through to the commencement of more local support, says their preparedness was a key factor in their ability to get back on their feet. “Many residents knew each other and worked together within their pre-existing networks,” John says. “In fact, a significant number of people evacuated to the homes of friends and family nearby.
“There was a real sense of connectedness within the community - local community agencies understood each other’s roles and worked tirelessly in a supportive and collaborative manner.
“Once many of the immediate concerns such as family safety, food and shelter had been addressed, people started to work through the myriad of emotions they were experiencing,” says John Maybanks. “People vary in their response to stressful situations, but may feel overwhelmed and helpless, distressed, nervous and concerned.
Our counsellors provide support during this process, reassuring people that what they are experiencing is often a normal and understandable reaction to an abnormal situation.
“If reactions to the event continue to negatively impact on a person’s ability to function for longer than a month, then more intensive psychological support is suggested. It’s important for people to discuss these feelings and reach out for help.”
To assist people understand and better cope with the longer term psychological effects of disasters, the department has also produced fact sheets including Managing stress after an emergency and The effects of a crisis on families.
Be prepared
The Director of Disaster Operations for the Department of Emergency Services Michael Shapland says being prepared for storms and cyclones helps in two ways. “It really can lessen the effects of the event when it hits, and it prepares us emotionally knowing that these things can happen and can be dealt with,” Michael says. “Having this mindset strengthens our resilience and enables us to overcome the challenges that such events present.”
Michael suggests every household make ready for an emergency by preparing an emergency plan and an emergency kit, storing essential documents in a safe place, stocking the pantry with at least three days’ of food, keeping the yard and gutters clean and getting to know your neighbours.
The Australian Red Cross has produced a new brochure Four Steps to Prepare Your Household
How to prepare for a natural disaster
Important steps to be taken before, during and after any disaster to help reduce potential loss of life and property damage include:
- know your neighbours and consider the needs of people with a disability, elderly people and people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds who may not comprehend warnings and may need your assistance
- check that your home is in a sound condition, especially roof and eaves. Trim any tree branches hanging over your roof. Clear your property of any loose items that could become missiles in extreme winds
- keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy, including numbers for your local police, fire, ambulance, State Emergency Service, local council, gas and electricity company, and of course, relatives
- find out how and where to turn off power, gas and water supplies and keep gas bottle and BBQ on hand
- make sure you have an emergency plan that includes arrangements for where children should go if they can’t get home and looking after pets
- stock your pantry to ensure your household has at least three days’ supply of food, water and essential items to cope with a prolonged emergency situation possibly without water and electricity. More details: Emergency Pantry List
- prepare an emergency kit in a sturdy, easy-to-carry bag or storage box that includes battery operated radio and torch (with spare batteries), candles and waterproof matches, first aid kit, a waterproof bag for valuables and copies of important family documents such as insurance papers and wills, birth certificates, immunisation records, bank account details.
State Emergency Services (SES)
- For assistance
- 132 500
- To join as a volunteer
- 1300 369 003