What to do in a natural disaster

CASPA is dedicated to supporting our community through the good times and the hard ones. Here you'll find information and resources to help you weather the storm, fire or flood, and ways to ask for support if you need it.

Stay informed

Monitor current warnings

The Australian Warning System (AWS) is a standardised national system that warns people about the level of danger and when to take action during a natural disaster.

There are three warning levels:

ADVICE (Yellow)
There is a hazard in the area, but no immediate danger. Stay informed as this could change.

WATCH AND ACT (Orange)
The hazard has become a threat to lives and property. Start taking action now to protect yourself.

EMERGENCY WARNING (Red)
This is the highest warning level. You are in danger and need to take action immediately. Delaying action will put your life at risk.

Where to find information

BOM Weather
Web: NSW | QLD | NT

SES
Ph: 132 500
Web: NSW | QLD | NT

ABC Radio

Live Traffic

Hazards Near Me

Emergency Plus

Don't know where to start?

The ABC emergency website is full of informative articles to help you plan for and react to natural disasters.

What to do in a storm

What to do in a fire

What to do in a flood

What to do in a storm

What to do in a fire

What to do in a flood

Be prepared to leave

As a weather event becomes more severe, you may need to evacuate your home. Be prepared to leave quickly and packing a grab and go evacuation bag. Your bag should include the following:

Important documents

Include identification and insurance documents, deeds and wills.
First aid kit

Include items to help if someone is hurt and a week's work of essential medications.
Work gloves

Thick work gloves will keep your hands safe if you need to move rubbish or debris.
Torch

Pack a battery powered flashlight or lantern for night time visibility.
Non-perishable food

Pack enough shelf stable food for three days. Don't forget a can opener.
Spare batteries

Pack enough batteries to power your torch and radio for three days or more.
Toiletries

Toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, sunscreen, bug repellent and period products.
Battery powered radio

So you can listen to ABC emergency radio updates even if you don't have internet or power.
Mobile phone & charger

To stay connected, bring your phone, spare charger and charged power pack if you have one.
Water

Pack at least 10 litres of drinking water per person. Plastic bottles are lighter.
Baby supplies

Make sure have a bottle and enough formula, food, nappies and wipes for at least three days.
Spare clothes

Pack a set of spare clothes including a jumper, rain jacket, hat, socks and enclosed shoes.

Supporting children during an emergency

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

Supporting children in an emergency

Natural disasters can be scary for everyone, but sometimes the children in our care need extra help to understand what's going on. Help children feel safe, calm and supported with these resources.

Resources for parents and carers

What to do in a

Storm

Storm resources

What to do in a

Fire

Fire resources

What to do in a

Flood

Flood resources

CASPA emergency numbers