7 Tips to be Prepared for Natural Disasters

Dorothea Mackellar famously described Australia as a land “of droughts and flooding rains,” but these aren’t the only natural disasters Australians face. Our “sunburnt country” contends with a range of natural threats, including cyclones, floods, bushfires, earthquakes, heat waves and landslides.

These events can cause widespread destruction, impacting communities, businesses and individuals alike. Given the diverse climate and geography of Australia, natural disasters can strike almost any region, making it essential for everyone to understand the risks.

While we can’t stop these natural disasters from occurring, we can take steps to be prepared and reduce their impact. The motto “Be Prepared” is more than just a slogan for former Girl Guides and Scouts—it’s a valuable principle that can help save lives and property.

Preparedness measures, like emergency planning, risk assessment, and understanding evacuation routes, can make all the difference when disaster strikes. By taking proactive steps, we can protect ourselves, our families and our workplaces from the unpredictable forces of nature.

Here are our 7 Tips to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters

1. Have a Plan

Establish clear roles and responsibilities for everyone in the workplace, designating who will be in charge during an emergency. Identify evacuation routes, an Assembly Area where everyone can gather safely and a system for accounting for all co-workers and visitors. Practising your plan regularly ensures everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes.

2. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials. The NSW SES recommends you include the following – a portable radio with batteries, a torch with spare batteries, a First aid kit, candles and waterproof matches, important papers including emergency contact numbers, a copy of the Emergency Plan and a waterproof bag for valuables.

If your workplace includes children or elderly individuals, stock extra water and snacks to ensure comfort and hydration.

3. Listen to Alerts

Always treat alarms seriously and assume they signal a real emergency unless informed otherwise. Keep a radio on hand to stay updated on community alerts and pay attention to emergency text messages. Staying informed will help guide your next steps during a crisis.

4. Stay Out of Danger

Prioritise your safety by avoiding any areas that appear too dangerous to enter. If you become injured, you won’t be able to assist others, so make self-preservation a priority. Wait for trained personnel to assess and handle hazardous situations.

5. Follow Emergency Services Instructions

Always comply with instructions from emergency services like Fire & Rescue, Rural Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Police and SES. They are trained professionals with specific protocols to manage emergencies effectively; trusting their guidance is essential for your safety.

6. Situational Awareness

Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, noting your current location and where you are being directed to go. Keep track of those around you, and make sure no one is left behind. If someone is unaccounted for, notify your emergency contact or warden immediately.

7. Communicate

Keep open lines of communication with your designated Warden or team leader. Inform them if someone is missing, if you are leaving the area, or if your plans change. Effective communication can make a critical difference in ensuring everyone’s safety.

8. Above All, Stay Safe

Safety is the top priority during any emergency. Follow all procedures, avoid unnecessary risks and look out for the wellbeing of yourself and those around you. Taking proactive steps can make all the difference in successfully navigating a crisis.

Implementing these safety tips can make a critical difference during emergencies but having expert support is invaluable. Workplace Emergency Management offers comprehensive training and services to help your team prepare, respond and stay safe. Visit Workplace Emergency Management to ensure your workplace is equipped for any situation.