Your guide to dealing with a natural disaster
Cyclones, storms, floods, bushfires, droughts and more...
Australia experiences various kinds of natural disasters, and there are many services in Australia that provide great information, guidance, and support around preparing for a disaster, staying safe during a disaster, and recovering after a disaster.
Whether you're stressed about the possibility of a future disaster, going through a one-off natural disaster, going through your annual wet season, or rebuilding life after a disaster, this info resource can help.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger please call 000
Things you can do before a disaster
Australia has services that work hard to prevent disasters, respond to disasters quickly, keep you informed about how to stay safe, and help you during and after a disaster.
You won't always know in advance if a disaster is about to happen. But, if you think that a natural disaster is headed your way, here are some things that can help:
- Always follow the guidance of the professionals who are acting to keep you safe
- Take action to prepare - check out the Red Cross for resources and this Emergency Preparedness Guide for things to do
- Talk to parents, guardians, or teachers about your worries and fears
- Stay informed by reading news online or listening to local radio; the Bureau of Meterology will keep you informed about weather events
- Gather any personal belongings and pack a bag in case you need to leave quickly
- Keep pets in a secure room or fenced area so they are safe
- Stay close to parents, family, friends – avoid going places by yourself
- Do things to create a 'sense of safety', e.g. take some calming breaths, listen to music, etc.
- Remind yourself that help and support are always available
During a natural disaster - staying safe
Dealing with a natural disaster as it's happening
Natural disasters are incredibly stressful.
Sometimes, you're so busy doing things to stay safe - stuff like packing bags, evacuating, caring for and supporting others, etc., that you don't really have time to stop and think until it's all over.
But, some disasters can happen more slowly. You can manage your anxiety by taking care of yourself and others. It can also be helpful to focus on practical things you can do to help, such as looking after younger siblings or pets.
Emergency services
The safety of you and the people you care about is the most important thing. Please contact these Australia-wide services for help in an emergency or disaster.
- For an emergency, or if your life is in danger - Police/Fire/Ambulance: 000
- ABC emergency radio stations for live updates
- State Emergency Services (SES) assistance in floods and storms in your state or territory: 132 500 (normally will assist after the disaster has passed/when it's safe to do so)
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, Deaf Emergency Information can help, and you can also contact services using the National Relay Service
- If you don't speak English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National on 131 450
- The Red Cross - Register, Find, Reunite service helps find and reunite family and friends after an emergy
There may also be local groups or services in your community who can help.
How can I expect to feel after a natural disaster?
Different people react differently, depending on their personality and situation. Generally, though, most people will experience some or all of these impacts when they’re going through a natural disaster event:
Physical
You may have injuries due to the natural event. Some people have to evacuate or are 'displaced' and need support to meet their basic needs (like food, water and shelter) and may experience financial stress or hardship.
Body symptoms
Stress-related headaches or stomach pains; some people might also experience excitement due to adrenaline/crisis (which is also a totally normal response).
Emotional
Feelings such as grief, fear, anxiety, sadness, guilt or depression; you may also experience other feelings, too, like curiosity, gratitude, love and relief.
Spiritual
Questioning your beliefs, faith, or asking a higher power for help; on the other hand, some people also experience a deepening of their beliefs and faith after a disaster, and a sense of purpose.
Social
Changes to friendships, relationship troubles with family or siblings; many people also report an increased sense of connection to community after a disaster.
Thought/mind
Repetitive thoughts, nightmares, or trouble concentrating; thoughts aren't always negative, with people after a disaster sometimes reporting that they feel emotionally stronger, and like they are more resilient/able to cope with issues in the future.
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Ways to deal/cope with a natural disaster
Recovering from a natural event can take time. Allow yourself to feel numb or ‘strange’ for a little while after – it’s your body’s natural response to a scary situation, but things should soon return to normal.
There are also practical things you can do to help return to 'normal' (or the 'new normal' if things have changed). Getting back to your old routine, or starting a new one can also help to create a 'sense of safety' as things feel a bit more in-control and predictable.
And don't forget to self-care as much as you can - sleep, rest, exercise and looking after your bodies other basic needs (drinking water, eating nutritious food, etc.) all affect your wellbeing.
It's also important to draw on any of the supports and coping strategies you had before the disaster happened. For example, spending time with friends, or doing things you enjoy.
A lot of people find it really helpful to take part in the recovery effort in different ways, and this is a great way for communities to connect, come together and build resilience.
Mental health warning signs
Most people bounce back after a disaster with a bit of time and support. However, some people may experience distress or trauma and need some additional support
Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Being withdrawn or avoiding others
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Wanting to hurt yourself or others
- Finding it hard to focus and concentrate
- Constantly feeling scared, unsafe, or worried
- Feeling very sad or hopeless most of the time
- Not being able to talk about it or bottling things up
- When two months have passed and you feel the same/worse
"The floods taught me I was stronger than I thought I was. Even though it was bad, the way the whole community came together was really nice." - Anonymous Year 10 student.
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