If you, or a member of your household or community has a disability or any special requirement that may affect the ability to cope in a disaster, make arrangements now to get the support you need.
With winter, more storms are likely, and we all need to be prepared with a good plan to ensure we are safe and supported if a natural disaster does occur and can carry on with food, medication and anything else we need on a day to day basis.
Here are a few pointers from the Get Ready Get Through website:
Build a personal support network:
- Organise a personal support network of a minimum of three people to alert you to civil defence warnings, or to help if you need to be evacuated. This could be family members, carers, friends, neighbours or co-workers.
- Ensure you have an emergency plan before a disaster happens and practice it with your support network. Plan for various disasters and situations you could encounter.
- Discuss your needs with the support network and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
- Inform your support team if you are travelling or away from home.
Consider also:
- Ensuring you have emergency survival items, including any specialised items you need, and a getaway kit in case of evacuation.
- Keeping at least seven days’ supply of your essential medications and make provisions for those that require refrigeration.
- Wearing a medical alert tag or bracelet to identify your disability or health condition.
- When travelling, letting a hotel or motel manager know of your requirements in case of an emergency.
- Knowing where to go for assistance if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
For more information go to the Civil Defence Get Ready Get Thru website: