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Emergencies can be overwhelming — not just for adults, but for children too. Talking to kids about natural disasters, accidents, or evacuations might feel daunting, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to help them feel safe, calm, and prepared. This guide helps Australian parents, carers, and educators approach the topic with clarity, sensitivity, and confidence. Why It Matters Children process danger and uncertainty differently. Without context, sirens, smoke, or flashing lights can be terrifying. Talking openly (but age-appropriately) empowers them with knowledge — and reduces fear. According to the Australian Psychological Society, children who are informed and included in emergency planning show greater emotional resilience during real-life events. View Emergency coping tips from the APS Emergency coping tips from the APS Start with Simple Truths Keep the conversation age-appropriate: Ages 3–6: Use storybooks and roleplay (e.g., "What would we do if the smoke alarm goes off?") Ages 7–12: Show simple maps, explain what floods or bushfires are Teens: Involve them in emergency kit packing, safety planning, and news discussions Use calm, factual language. Let them ask questions, and don’t dismiss their worries — no matter how small. Try using illustrated books like "Jack’s Big Move" or "Birdie and the Fire" from the Natural Hazards Children’s Book Series Create a Family Emergency Plan — Together Turn your emergency prep into a team effort: Draw a simple house map and mark exits Create a meet-up point outside the home Pack the emergency kit as a family Assign age-appropriate jobs (e.g., "You grab Luna the dog, I’ll grab the radio") This gives children a sense of control and reduces panic when the unexpected happens. Download a free printable Family Emergency Plan via Australian Red Cross Use Tools Made for Kids There are fantastic Australian resources built specifically to teach children about emergencies: Red Cross REDiPlan & Emergency App Get Ready Queensland – Kids Hub ABC Kids Emergency Resources Apps and games are also a great way to make the topic feel approachable, fun, and non-threatening. Consider showing kids Triple Zero Kids' Challenge , a national safety game teaching when and how to call for help Practice Calm Responses & Reassurance It’s not just what you say — it’s how you say it. Kids take emotional cues from adults. So if you speak calmly about evacuation or safety, they’ll mirror that tone. Roleplay is powerful: - Pretend to respond to a smoke alarm - Practice what to say to Triple Zero - Walk through where to go if a flood or fire is near Remind children: emergencies are rare, but we practice so we stay safe and brave. Teach your child how to call 000 After an Emergency: Emotional Support Children might still experience anxiety after the event is over. Watch for: Changes in sleep or appetite Repeating questions about safety - Clinginess or withdrawal Reassure them that they’re safe now and allow them to express their feelings. Support services include: Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) Parentline Australia Your local GP or school counsellor Final Thoughts Talking to kids about emergencies doesn't have to be scary. In fact, it's one of the most loving things you can do — giving them the tools to feel secure, responsible, and resilient. Start small. Talk often. And always remind them: no matter what happens, we’re in this together.

The facts that could save your life Floods are Australia's most frequent and costly natural disaster, yet misinformation still spreads faster than the water itself. From false assumptions about safety to last-minute panic packing, these myths can lead to dangerous decisions. Let’s set the record straight and help every household prepare — no matter where you live. Myth 1: "It’s just a bit of water — my car can make it" Reality: Just 15 centimetres of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet. Just 30 centimetres is enough to float or sweep away most cars, including four-wheel drives. Many flood-related deaths are avoidable and occur when people try to drive or walk through water. Never assume it is safe to cross, even if the road looks shallow. Simple rule: If it’s flooded, forget it. Myth 2: "I’m safe because I don’t live near a river" Reality: Flooding is not limited to riverbanks. Flash floods, stormwater overflow, blocked drains, coastal surges and runoff from hills can impact suburban streets, rural areas, and even high ground. Thousands of properties across Australia are at risk, regardless of how close they are to a river. You can check your flood risk using state-based tools: New South Wales:  SES Flood Risk & Maps Victoria:  Floodplain Mapping Victoria Queensland:  Flood Check QLD Western Australia:  WA Floodplain Mapping South Australia:  Flood Information SA Tasmania:  SES Tasmania Flood Risk Northern Territory:  NT PFES Flood Safety Australian Capital Territory:  Flood Risk in Canberra Do not wait until the rain starts to find out if your home is in a danger zone. Myth 3: "I’ll pack when it happens" Reality: Floods can move fast, and evacuation orders may give you only minutes. Power or phone reception may also be cut. If you have to leave suddenly, a pre-packed emergency kit can make all the difference — and may even save lives. Basic items to include: Water (minimum 3 litres per person per day) Non-perishable food First aid kit Medications and prescriptions Torch and spare batteries Radio (battery-powered or wind-up) Phone charger or power bank Identification and important documents Pet food, leash, carrier and medications Download our Emergency Checklist HERE and keep it printed in an easy-to-reach place Myth 4: "I’ll get a warning in time" Reality: Mobile towers can fail, sirens are not always used, and alerts may be delayed. Do not rely on a single source of warning. The best approach is to monitor multiple official channels and have a plan ready in advance. Stay informed through: The Bureau of Meteorology : www.bom.gov.au ABC Emergency  updates: www.abc.net.au/emergency Your State Emergency Services (SES) website Community Facebook pages for local updates If you live in a high-risk area, consider installing a battery-powered radio in your kit so you can stay informed even during blackouts. Myth 5: "It won’t happen to me" Reality: Floods are the most common natural disaster in Australia. They cause more damage and economic loss than bushfires or cyclones - and with changing weather patterns, they are becoming more frequent and severe. In 2022, the Insurance Council of Australia recorded over $5.65 billion in flood-related claims - the highest figure ever. From Lismore and Brisbane to Launceston, Echuca, Katherine and Perth, floods have impacted every state and territory. What You Can Do Today Take action before the next flood warning is issued: Download and print your emergency kit and pet checklist Check your address on your state’s flood risk map Set up alerts through BOM and ABC Emergency Create an evacuation plan that includes pets Share this information with your neighbours, family and friends Final Note Flood myths can be deadly. The truth can keep you and your loved ones safe. Preparation takes minutes. Recovery can take years. Make the choice now to get ready.

The Hidden Cost of Helping When disaster strikes, volunteers are often the first to arrive. They help clear debris, comfort strangers, and provide essential supplies. Their bravery is visible. What is less often seen is the emotional toll their work can take. Volunteers are seen as heroes, and rightly so. But many carry the emotional weight of what they have witnessed long after the disaster ends. More Than Just Stress Volunteering during a crisis can be incredibly meaningful. It brings a sense of purpose, connection, and the ability to make a difference during uncertain times. However, it can also be emotionally confronting. Volunteers may see significant damage, loss, and human suffering. They might hear heartbreaking stories, work in high-pressure conditions, and often go without proper rest. Many feel they need to push aside their own emotions to keep helping others. Over time, this can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, or symptoms similar to trauma. Even the most resilient people can feel overwhelmed by the emotional load. Signs a Volunteer Might Be Struggling Emotional stress is not always obvious. Sometimes it appears weeks or months after the event. Look out for these common signs: Constant fatigue, even with adequate sleep Irritability, emotional numbness, or mood swings Trouble sleeping or distressing dreams Feeling withdrawn or disconnected from others Loss of motivation or sense of purpose Recognising these signs early is important. It allows for timely support and recovery. What Helps: Supporting Volunteers Emotionally With the right tools and support, volunteers are more likely to remain healthy, engaged, and effective. Here are some approaches that make a real difference: Debriefing After a shift or deployment, it helps to talk with someone who understands. This could be a fellow volunteer, supervisor, or trained professional. Sharing experiences can release emotional pressure. Peer Support Connecting with others who have shared similar roles or experiences can provide comfort and validation. Peer-led support groups or informal check-ins work well. Rest and Recovery Taking breaks, even short ones, allows the mind and body to recover. Volunteers should be encouraged to rest without guilt or pressure to return too quickly. Training and Preparation Basic training in mental health first aid or trauma-informed care helps volunteers feel more equipped. Understanding emotional risks reduces vulnerability and builds resilience. Caring for the People Who Care Volunteers give generously of their time, skills, and emotional energy. If we want them to continue doing this work safely, we must ensure they are supported in return. Prioritising emotional wellbeing is not a luxury. It is a core part of community care. When volunteers are well, their impact lasts longer and reaches further. Final Thoughts Volunteering in disasters changes lives - both for the people receiving support and for those giving it. The work is demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding. By speaking openly about the emotional side of volunteering, we remove stigma and build stronger, more compassionate communities. Every volunteer is a person first. When we look after the people who show up in our hardest moments, we all come out stronger.

When disaster strikes, every second counts. Bushfires, floods, cyclones, and even prolonged power outages can force families to evacuate at a moment’s notice - and the chaos can be overwhelming. You might only have minutes to grab what you need and get to safety. In those moments, it’s easy to forget essentials: medicine left in the bathroom, pet food still in the cupboard, or important documents buried in a drawer. Sadly, countless Australians each year find themselves stranded without the basics - and too often, their pets are left behind or without proper care. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation, you can have everything your family needs, including your furry, feathered, or scaled friends, ready to go. Building an emergency kit now ensures you and your loved ones can leave quickly, survive comfortably for several days, and focus on what really matters: staying safe. This guide walks you through everything you need to pack for your family and your pets, so everyone gets through the crisis together. Why an Emergency Kit matters In an emergency, there’s no time to think about what to grab. People often leave behind essentials and sadly, pets are sometimes forgotten or left without food, medicine, or shelter. According to the RSPCA, being prepared with a kit helps you: Leave faster Survive comfortably for up to 72 hours Reduce stress Keep your family and pets healthy and safe What to include in your Kit Your kit should be easy to carry (like a large backpack or wheeled bag), stored somewhere accessible, and checked every six months to replace expired items. Here’s what you should pack: Drinking water (at least 3 litres per person per day for 3 days) Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days) Can opener & utensils Torch (with spare batteries) or headlamp Battery-powered or wind-up radio First aid kit Medications & prescriptions Spare glasses or contact lenses Important documents (IDs, insurance, bank details) in a waterproof bag Phone chargers & power bank Warm clothes, blankets, raincoats, and sturdy shoes Masks, gloves, and sanitiser Cash (ATMs may not work) Whistle or signal device For Pets Your pets depend on you to be ready too. Prepare a separate kit just for them, and keep it with your family’s kit. What to include: Food & water (at least 3 days’ supply) Collapsible bowls Leash, harness, and/or carrier Bedding or blanket Waste bags, litter tray, and litter Toys & comfort items Medications, vaccination & vet records Recent photo of your pet (to help locate them if lost) ID tags & microchip details TIP - Store pet food in airtight containers and rotate it regularly so it stays fresh. Special Considerations If you have infants: pack nappies, formula, bottles, and comfort items. If you care for elderly family members: include mobility aids and extra medical supplies. If you have livestock: plan ahead for transport or shelter options. Where to s tore your Kit Keep your kit in a cool, dry, and easily accessible place. Many people store it: Near the front door In the garage In the car (if you live in a high-risk area) If you have multiple floors in your home, consider having smaller kits upstairs and downstairs. Check and Refresh your Kit At least twice a year: Replace expired food, water, and medicines. Check that batteries still work. Update documents and photos if needed. Mark a date in your calendar (e.g the start of bushfire season) to check your kit. Final Thoughts Being prepared saves lives — both human and animal. An emergency kit isn’t just a precaution; it’s peace of mind. When disaster strikes, you won’t have time to gather supplies. But with a ready-to-go kit, you’ll leave quickly, safely, and with all your loved ones — furry ones included.

Where to Go When Disaster Strikes. When emergencies happen — from bushfires to floods — evacuating quickly can save lives. But what about your pets? Too often, animals are left behind because owners don’t know where they can go together. Thankfully, more emergency shelters in Australia are recognising the vital bond between people and their pets, and are now opening their doors to all family members — furry ones included. In this guide, we highlight 10 pet-friendly emergency shelters across Australia , with links and details to help you plan ahead. Why Pet-Friendly Shelters Matter For many Australians, pets are family. Yet during past disasters, people have risked their lives or ignored evacuation orders because they refused to abandon their animals. According to the RSPCA, thousands of pets are lost or injured each year during natural disasters. Pet-friendly shelters reduce stress, improve compliance with evacuation orders, and ensure that every family member — human or animal — stays safe. Top 10 Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelters in Australia 📍 1. Brisbane Showgrounds – Queensland Located in Bowen Hills, the Brisbane Showgrounds  is a major evacuation site during floods and storms. Designated pet zones include indoor kennels and outdoor pens, with water and food stations. Volunteers and RSPCA Queensland staff are often on hand to assist with care, feeding, and basic medical checks. Capacity is high, but early arrival ensures a spot. 📍 2. Cairns Cyclone Shelter – Queensland Purpose-built to withstand Category 5 cyclones, this reinforced shelter allows pets in secure carriers alongside owners. Facilities include water stations, waste disposal areas, and staff guidance. Located at Cairns State High School, it is specifically designed for high‑risk weather events. 📍 3. Sydney Olympic Park – New South Wales This massive venue converts into an evacuation hub during disasters, with an entire hall dedicated to pets. Cooling areas, veterinary support, overnight caging, and bedding are provided. Large enough to accommodate hundreds of animals, it’s managed in coordination with local councils and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. 📍 4. Newcastle Exhibition Centre – New South Wales A key evacuation hub in the Hunter region, this centre becomes a pet‑friendly shelter during floods and bushfires. Partitioned sections with straw bedding, crates, and food stations are set up. Local volunteers and vets often help provide care and advice. 📍 5. Wagga Wagga Showground – New South Wales Serving both urban and rural evacuees, this showground accommodates pets and even livestock during floods and fires. Open sheds, water troughs, and staff guidance are available. Livestock holding pens and hay are provided if required. 📍 6. Adelaide Showground – South Australia During fire season, this centrally located shelter provides undercover pavilions and outdoor pens. The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA, in partnership with RSPCA South Australia, assists with pet care and welfare on site. 📍 7. RAC Arena (formerly Perth Arena) – Western Australia In bushfire season, the arena hosts evacuees and their pets in sectioned areas. Facilities include cooling fans, misting stations, water bowls, and temporary kennels. City of Perth Animal Management teams assist with care. 📍 8. Darwin Cyclone Shelter – Northern Territory Darwin’s cyclone shelters are fortified against extreme winds and storm surges. Pets are allowed in designated rooms or cages near owners. Volunteers distribute water and cleaning supplies to help maintain hygiene. 📍 9. Launceston Showground – Tasmania This venue provides undercover livestock sheds and grassed outdoor areas. During bushfires and floods, it serves as a refuge for both domestic pets and farm animals. Local council staff and volunteers are available to assist. 📍 10. Local Council-Run Community Centres Many local councils operate smaller community halls, sports centres, or showgrounds as backup shelters. Contact your local council directly or visit the Australian Local Government Association Directory for pet‑friendly options near you. Tips for Using Pet-Friendly Shelters ✅ Bring a secure crate or carrier — most shelters require pets to be contained.  ✅ Pack food & water for several days.  ✅ Bring identification tags & vaccination records. ✅ Bring comfort items like toys or blankets.  ✅ Bring cleaning supplies to keep the area tidy.  ✅ Arrive early if possible — capacity can fill quickly during widespread disasters. What If No Pet-Friendly Shelter Is Available? If no official shelter accepts pets in your area: ✅ Arrange with friends or family outside the danger zone.  ✅ Look for pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities ( PetFriendly.com.au ).  ✅ Contact local animal shelters or groups such as Safe Pets Safe Families, which often open emergency spaces for pets. Final Thoughts Planning ahead is critical — don’t wait until the last minute.  ✅ Make a list of pet-friendly shelters near you.  ✅ Keep it with your emergency kit.  ✅ Know your local council’s emergency contact details. When disaster strikes, knowing where to go can save time, reduce stress, and keep everyone — including your furry friends — safe. Checklist ✅ Crate or carrier  ✅ Food & water for 3–5 days  ✅ ID & vaccination records  ✅ Comfort items (toys, blanket)  ✅ Cleaning supplies  ✅ List of nearby pet-friendly shelters