Prepare for a Disaster

To be prepared for a disaster you must understand your risk. When you understand your risk you can take the necessary steps to reduce the impact of a disaster.

No matter how experienced you are with disasters, it is important to stay up to date with the risks in your local area, as they can change over time. 

Bushfires and heatwaves are considered to pose the biggest risk to our region but we may be impacted by a variety of disasters. Types of natural disaster events include:

A Household Emergency and Evacuation Plan is a hard copy or electronic document designed to keep you and your household members connected and safe during a disaster.

Involve your neighbours when developing your plan especially if they are vulnerable members of the community as they may need your assistance.  

Everyone's plan is different and based on their local risk and household needs. However, generally your plan should include:

• Contact details for household members, emergency services, trusted neighbours, local and out-of-town emergency contacts
• Medication lists and dosages (view the Digital Prescriptions List)
• Utilities locations
• Emergency and evacuation kits location
• Safe meeting point location
• Vehicle and household information including registration and insurance
• All pets details, including their vet’s name and contact details
• Checklists for what to take with you in case of emergency, including a list of important documents

Complete our simple form to generate a customised plan that includes all the essential information needed.

As a result of a disaster, you may be unable to leave your home or neighbourhood for an extended period. Be prepared by having an Emergency Kit stocked and ready. You should include essential supplies to equip your household for at least three days of isolation, keeping in mind any equipment you may need in case of power loss such as a BBQ. 

Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy access location. Check your kit regularly to stock up and rotate supplies. 

Take a look at our video to see what you can keep in your kit! 

Get your home prepared so you are ready when the next natural disaster hits. The best place to start is home maintenance. Keep your garden maintained and look out for any damage on your home as a result of age or a previous incident. If you are renting and notice something that needs rectifying, talk to your property manager or landlord about getting it fixed.

Home Preparation Do's & Don'ts

• DO ensure your insurance is up-to-date 
• DO check your home for any structural damage 
• DO trim trees and overhanging branches regularly during the year 
• DON'T conduct any electrical work or repairs yourself
• DON'T leave loose items in your background if a storm or cyclone is imminent 
• DON'T leave all preparations until warnings are issued 

Different disasters pose different threats and cause various types of damage. It’s important to base your home preparation activities on your understanding of risks in your local area.

For Home Maintenance help visit:

• Home Maintenance & Preparation
• Building & Renovation Tips
• Building Resilient Homes
• Protect What's Important Fact sheet(PDF, 1020KB)

In emergency situations, pets are often the most vulnerable member of the family. It's important to consider what will happen to our pets in the event of a natural disaster. Considerations include: 

• Decide what arrangements you will make for your pet in the case of a disaster.
• Include them in your Emergency Plan and be prepared with a Pet Emergency Kit. 
• Make sure your pet’s registration and/or microchip information is up to date in case you become separated from your pet during a disaster
• Remove hazards for your pet and make sure your enclosure is secure.
• Consider asking a friend or relative outside of the disaster area to shelter your pets until it is safe for them to return.
• If you choose to evacuate your pet, make sure you do so early to avoid dangerous travel.
• Remember, animals react differently to people when under stress.
• Secure your pet indoors early and comfort them through the experience.
• Larger animals that cannot be housed in a building should be evacuated where possible.

Pet Emergency Kit

To ensure your pet’s welfare during a disaster, prepare a kit in a waterproof container that can be easily carried. Your pet’s kit should include:

• Collars, leads and ID tags
• Pet carriers (a must for cats)
• Towels and bedding
• Toys
• Medication and medical records
• Animal first aid kit (see your local pet store or vet)
• Current photos and proof of ownership
• Travel bowls
• Food and water
• Litter box and litter
• Cable ties
• Phone numbers – vet, local council, microchip company
• List of “pet friendly” places; hotels, boarding kennels and catteries.

Livestock

 As part of their Rural Disaster Recovery Toolkit, the Queensland Government offers a range of advice and information for livestock farms that are affected by natural disasters. For more information visit their website. 

Wildlife

If you come across any sick or injured wildlife and it is safe, collect them and take them to your closest vet or call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Additional Information

• Animal Management
• Get Ready QLD: Protect Your Pet
• QLD Government: Animal Welfare in Natural Disasters
• RSPCA: Disasters and Alerts