Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, severe storms and heatwaves can happen with little warning. Taking a few simple steps now can help you stay safer and feel more prepared.
This page explains how to prepare, where to get trusted information, and what to do in an emergency.
4 steps to prepare for an emergency
If life or property is in immediate danger, call 000. If you use a TTY, call 106. When it is safe, focus on 4 simple steps: understand your local risks, make a plan, pack an emergency kit, and stay informed.
When to call 000
Call 000 straight away if someone is seriously injured or unwell, trapped, or in immediate danger from fire or another urgent threat.
Call 000 straight away if:
- A fire in your home or nearby
- A serious injury or sudden illness
- A gas leak or electrical danger
- An immediate threat to your safety
When you call, ask for Police, Fire or Ambulance.
Understand your local risks
Different places face different risks. Find out what hazards are most likely where you live, work or study so you can plan ahead.
Use trusted information from local councils, emergency services and weather warnings so you know what to expect and what action to take.
Make a household emergency plan
Keep your plan short, clear and easy to follow. A plan that fits your household can help everyone know what to do if an emergency happens.
Include:
- Emergency contacts and important phone numbers
- Where to meet if you need to leave home
- Safe ways to leave your area
- Medicines, health needs and key documents to take
- What to do for pets or other animals
- How to stay in touch if phones or internet are down
Write your plan down, talk it through with your household, and review it from time to time so it stays up to date.
Pack an emergency kit
Keep your kit somewhere easy to reach. Checking it now and then, and replacing anything out of date, can give you peace of mind that it will be there when you need it.
Pack:
- Drinking water and non-perishable food
- First aid items and medicines
- A torch, batteries and a battery-powered radio
- Phone chargers or a power bank
- Important documents and some cash
- Clothes, blankets and hygiene items
- Supplies for babies, older people, disability needs or pets, if needed
Follow warnings and act early
Warnings can change quickly. Following official advice and acting early when you are told to prepare, shelter or leave can help reduce stress and keep you safer.
Trusted sources include weather warnings, emergency services, local councils and official alert apps. Save or bookmark the sources you use most so they are easy to find in an emergency.
Check in on others if it is safe
If it is safe, check in on neighbours, friends or family who may need extra support. Staying connected can make a real difference.
Share clear, reliable information and follow emergency service directions to help everyone stay safe.
Even a few simple steps now can make a big difference to your safety, confidence and peace of mind in an emergency.
Trusted emergency contacts and information
Use official sources for warnings, planning and recovery information. Keep a short list of trusted contacts and websites so they are easy to find when you need them.
- Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies
- TTY 106 for people who use a teletypewriter
- National Emergency Management Agency for national preparedness information
- Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and warnings
- Disaster Assist for recovery support and disaster help information
- Australian Red Cross for practical preparedness resources
State and territory emergency information
Use your state or territory emergency services for local warnings and practical advice.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
New South Wales (NSW)
- NSW State Emergency Service
- NSW Rural Fire Service
- Fire and Rescue NSW
- NSW Government emergency information
Northern Territory (NT)
Queensland (QLD)
- Queensland Fire Department
- State Emergency Service
- Get Ready Queensland
- Queensland Disaster Management
- Queensland Police Service
Pinned
