Preparing for the elements: A guide to emergencies - Floods, bushfires, cyclones, heat, and COVID-19
Be prepared for emergencies.
Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home. Australians face many extreme weather events, especially across regional, rural and remote areas.
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Stay safe around flooding
Floods can cause damage very quickly. They can cut off communication and transport options and they can happen anywhere in Australia.
How to prepare for a flood
- Know your local area – is there a history of flooding?
- Learn where to go for safety and safe routes to get there.
- Keep an emergency contacts list handy.
- Check your insurance policy is current and covers you for flood damage.
What to do during a flood
- Monitor flood warnings, check local media for information, updates and advice.
- Place sandbags in appropriate areas in and around your home.
- Stack possessions including waste containers, chemicals and poisons onto benches and tables and secure objects that may float.
- Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services.
Ask your family or friends to assist you in these tasks or contact your local State of Emergency Service (SES).
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Are you bushfire ready?
The devastation of fires have been too real for many Australians.
What can we do to prepare ourselves for bushfire season?
- Plan to leave early.
- Establish your meeting spots and escape routes.
- Keep an emergency contacts list handy.
- Have an emergency checklist.
- Develop a back-up plan including where you will shelter if you have not left early, and it is unsafe to leave.
Home maintenance suggestions for your house and garden
- Mow your lawn – remove any cuttings.
- Clean up your yard – remove any leaves or wood piles.
- Clear out the gutters.
- Trim overhanging branches and shrubs.
- Have seals fitted around the doors to eliminate any gaps.
- Have hoses long enough to reach around your house
Ask your family or friends to assist you in these task.
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Prepare for tropical cyclones
Storms can happen anywhere at any time of year, and when they’re severe they can cause major damage.
Get your home ready for a tropical storm
- Secure any loose items in your yard.
- Clear the gutters, downpipes and drains to prevent blockages.
- Trim trees and branches that could fall on your property.
- Repair any roof damage.
- Check your insurance policy is current and covers you for storm damage.
- Check local media for information, updates and advice.
How to stay safe during a severe tropical cyclone
- Follow directions on how to stay safe in the official warning.
- Find the best shelter – stairwell or a room with walls reinforced with pipes on the lowest floor.
- Stay clear of windows and glass doors.
Ask your family or friends to assist you in these tasks or contact your local SES.
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Extreme heat
Heatwaves not only affect your daily activities but can be a serious risk to your health and wellbeing. It is not just another hot day. Heatwaves can be dangerous for anyone.
What to do before a heatwave
- Stock up on food, water and medicines so that you do not need to leave the house.
- Look at things you can do to make your home cooler.
- Get your air conditioning or fan units serviced before summer.
Actions to take in case of a heatwave
- Stay indoors: keep out of the heat if you can.
- Drink plenty of water, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
- If you need to go outside, wear light clothing and a hat, put on sunscreen and take water with you.
- Close blinds and curtains early in the day.
- Turn your air-conditioner on before the room heats up.
- Take cool showers and splash yourself several times a day with cold water or use a damp cloth.
If you or someone you know shows signs of heat stroke, dial 000 immediately.
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COVID-19 update
Keeping our clients and staff safe has been integratedliving’s number one priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help protect our staff and clients, our staff will ask you screening questions when they arrive at your home, prior to commencing any service. You can help by answering all questions honestly.
If you test positive to COVID-19, experience any symptoms or are a close contact and have an upcoming service, please advise us by contacting 1300 782 896, so we can discuss required adjustments.
This is part of our risk-based approach to COVID-19 and has enabled us to avoid unnecessary transmissions.
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Who to contact?
FOR ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES:
- Dial 000 for Police, Fire and Ambulance in an emergency or in a life threatening situation.
- Dial 132 500 for assistance during floods, storms and cyclones.
- Visit your local SES websites:
FOR FURTHER SUPPORT AND ADVICE:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): 1800 700 600 Monday - Friday (8am-8pm) and Saturday (10am-4pm).
- My Aged Care (MAC): 1800 200 422 www.myagedcare.gov.au