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Set up a plan
Natural disasters can happen at any time of year. It’s good to have a plan ready in case they do. Being prepared will give you and your family the best chance at staying safe. There are resources available to help you do this.
Australian Red Cross has information about how to prepare for emergencies on their website.
The ABC has advice on how to prepare for different disasters on their Emergency website. They also broadcast emergency information on the radio. You can find your ABC radio frequency on the ABC website.
The Department of Home Affairs has information on declared natural disasters on their Disaster Assist website.
Preparing for a natural disaster can be stressful for you and your family. There are support services available if you’re affected by a natural disaster. Read more about social work services and mental health support.
Get your information ready
There are things you can do now to get ready in case you need to claim a disaster payment from us. To claim a payment for a declared natural disaster, you’ll need to:
- create a myGov account, if you don’t have one
- create a Centrelink online account, if you don’t have one
- link your Centrelink online account to your myGov account
- check your contact details are correct
- download the myGov app.
When creating a Centrelink online account, we may ask you to prove your identity.
Set up digital cards on your phone
You can use the myGov app to store government digital cards such as your Medicare card, Centrelink concession, and health care cards on your phone. You can also use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app and Express Plus Centrelink mobile app to access these digital cards. Read more about how you can set up your digital cards.
Get local information
It is important to be prepared and know where to find the latest information. Each state and territory has information about being prepared in an emergency.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency website provides resources that can help you to prepare for:
They also have real-time updates on emergencies in the ACT.
The NSW State Emergency Service website has information about preparing for:
The NSW Rural Fire Service website has resources to help you prepare yourself and your home for bushfires. They also have real-time information about fires in your area.
The NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services website has information about preparing for:
SecureNT website has information to help you prepare for emergencies.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website has information to help you prepare for an emergency. They also have a map with active incidents.
The Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland website has information to help you prepare for natural disasters and make an emergency plan.
The South Australian State Emergency Services website has information to help you plan for:
They also have a map with real-time incidents and warnings.
The South Australian Country Fire Service website can help with information on preparing for bushfires. They also have a warnings and incidents list map.
The Victoria State Emergency Service website has information to help you prepare for:
The Victorian Country Fire Authority website tells you how to prepare your property in case of a fire.
The Emergency Management Victoria website has an incidents and warnings map.
The Emergency WA website has information about preparing for different hazard types, including:
They also have a warning and incidents map.