Natural disasters

Floods and storm warnings

• Prepare a Home Emergency Plan.  This includes planning and practicing your escape routes; learning how and when to turn off the utility mains such as gas, electricity and water; establishing a safe meeting point in case of a sudden emergency; and discussing how you will care for pets in the event you decide to leave early;
• Prepare an emergency kit that you and your household members will need in storms, floods and other emergencies with things like:
  • sufficient water and non-perishable food;
  • a portable radio with spare batteries;
  • a torch with spare batteries;
  • a first aid kit (these can be bought from your local pharmacy);
  • important documents and papers;
  • emergency numbers (e.g. local Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Local Council, Gas and Electricity Company and key contacts); and
  • a Home Emergency Plan etc.
• Stack possessions on benches and tables with electrical goods in the highest places;
• Check that your neighbours are safe and aware;
• Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters;
• Be prepared to leave early if required;
• Stay away from drains, culverts and water that is more than knee-deep;
• Stay away from fallen powerlines – electrical current passes easily through water;
• If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there;
• If your car stalls in rising water, seek immediate shelter above floodwater;
• Be aware that animals such as snakes may enter your house during a flood;
• Wait for rescuers to come for you. Avoid swimming to safety;
• Keep listening to a local radio station for information and advice; and
• If you have left your home, don’t return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

• listen to your radio or local television station for information and advice;
• make contact with neighbours to ensure they are appropriately prepared;
• move outdoor furniture to a safe location;
• put your family emergency kit where you can find it easily; and
• stay clear of windows.

• www.bom.gov.au

Tropical cyclones

• Store all loose items inside;
• Fuel your car and park it under solid cover;
• Close shutters and board up or heavily tape all windows;
• Pack an evacuation kit including your emergency kit, warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, papers, photos and keepsakes in waterproof bags;
• Disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off the gas;
• Stay inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building (eg – the cellar, internal hallway or bathroom);
• If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets or by sheltering under a strong table or bench. If necessary, hold on to a solid fixture such as a water pipe;
• Have a portable radio to listen for updates and advice;
• Stop if you are driving but well away from the sea and clear of trees, powerlines and watercourses. Stay in your vehicle; and
• If you are required to evacuate your home, official advice will be given on local radio/television stations about safe routes and when to evacuate.

Earthquakes

• Know your local area, particularly if there is a history of earthquakes;
• Have an emergency kit and plan;
• If an earthquake occurs and you are inside a building take cover under a sturdy desk, table or bench, or against an inside wall and hold on;
• If there is no desk or table near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building;
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures and furniture;
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects while entering or leaving buildings; and