Disaster support

Stay informed

Monitor current weather warnings

The state governments and SES are urging people in South-East QLD and North-East NSW to prepare for the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall between Brisbane and the Gold Coast late this week. Anticipated effects could include:

Damaging, high speed winds
High tides and large waves
Heavy and persistent rainfall
Riverine and flash flooding
Blocked road access
Power or water access cut off
Limited or no internet or phone reception

We understand how frightening this event may be for people who were affected by the 2022 floods in Northern NSW. We are providing this information not to cause fear, but to help you be prepared. Should you need to speak to someone, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Who to contact

BOM Weather
Web: NSW | QLD

SES
Ph: 132 500
Web: NSW | QLD

24-hour Public Info & Inquiry Hotline
Ph: 1800 227 228

Live Traffic

Hazards Near Me

Emergency Plus

Preparing for an extreme weather event

Stay informed

Weather events can change at a moment's notice. Keep up to date via the SES app or emergency broadcasts on ABC Radio.
Pack an emergency kit

Include important documents, medications, first aid items, water bottle, torch and battery powered radio in case you need to leave.
Make a plan

Is your location at risk of flooding? Make sure you have enough fuel to evacuate. If you need to leave, do it early and check road closures.
If its flooded, forget it

It's never safe to drive through flood waters. Only travel when absolutely necessary and find a different route if the road is flooded.
Prepare your home

Clear gutters, secure loose items outdoors and remove overhanging branches. Repair broken windows and use sandbags if necessary.
Without water

Access to town water may be cut off. Fill buckets or your bath with clean water now, and add full water bottles to the freezer for later.
No power, no problem

Have candles or torches ready. Make sure you have non-perishable food and a gas powered way to cook it. Keep your phone charged.
Shelter in place

Know where the strongest room in your house is, away from big windows. For most people its a bathroom, wardrobe or hallway.

Where do I go if I can't stay here?

Stay up to date with the severity of the storm and where to evacuate to by checking the official emergency broadcasts on ABC Radio or on the ABC Listen app. If you are in NSW, you can find a list of current evacuation centres on the SES website.

NSW evacuation centres

Supporting children

Wild weather can be scary for everyone, but sometimes the children in our care need extra help to understand what's going on and feel safe, calm and supported.

Validate

Avoid dismissing concerns that children might have. Instead, calmly acknowledge that it's okay to feel scared, and that you are safe together.
Regulate

Use deep breathing, movement or cozy comfort to help little bodies regulate. Shift the focus from fear by distracting with immersive activities.
Reassure

Our emotions affect the children in our care. Model deep breathing, stay present and remind children that they are safe.

Birdie and the Cyclone

Check out Birdie and the Cyclone, a children's book to validate fears and help little ones feel safe.

Read Birdie and the Cyclone

CASPA emergency numbers