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During a Disaster

When a disaster strikes is too late to start planning, but there are still things that you can do to improve your chances of survival.

Remember that when a disaster happens you may be without many of the services you normally expect such as telephone, power or water. It may also be dangerous on certain roads. Other people in your area may be in similar or a worse situation. Even the Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond to your needs.

To get through the impact period you will require a degree of self and community reliance. Your best protection is knowing what to do.

Common questions are:

How to call for help?
Put your plan into action
How to keep informed?
Will you stay safe?
Will you evacuate?
Will you return home?
How to dress for a disaster?

How to call for help?

Dial 000 for Fire, Police, SES or Ambulance. If local emergency numbers are used, call your local service.

The 000 system is designed for heavy loads but can be in high demand in a disaster. If your need is not urgent use one of the assistance numbers (eg Police 131444).

Mobile telephone networks are often overloaded in disasters, if you need to call, try to use a landline phone.

If the telephone system doesn't work you may be able to make contact via radio (CB). Many government vehicles use the Government Radio Network, which can be used to make emergency calls.

Put your plan into action

If you have prepared well, you will already know:

What to expect
Who to call
What to wear
What to save
Who to listen to

A good plan includes a checklist and will reduce anxiety. If you discussed the plan with your family, they will expect you to follow it and may be counting on you.

How to keep informed?

When a disaster happens, it is critical that you keep informed including:

What is happening
Where it is happening
Important safety messages
Where to go for safety
Changes in the situation
Who is in charge
Where to go for relief or support
Updates

Use a battery radio, as power supplies are unreliable in a disaster. Tune it to ABC Metropolitan or Regional stations, for example, Adelaide 5AN 891 (AM band).

Will you stay safe?

The first step to survival is to stay safe. How you do this will depend on the type of disaster, where you are and your personal circumstances. For example, How you shelter from a bushfire is quite different from sheltering from a flood and being in your car is different to being on foot or at work.

Consider the hazards in your area and the advice provided in the hazard section to determine your best strategy for staying safe.

Will you evacuate?

There is a lot of information regarding evacuation or staying protected at home. In SA evacuations are rare, but can happen. If they do, Police or an identified emergency service officer will advise you. Listen regularly to radio reports for warnings.

The nature of the hazard, prevention works, safe exit routes, your plans and your personal circumstances may determine your evacuation choice and that of the authorities.

Will you return home?

You may wish to rush home. If you must do so, do it cautiously, as traffic may be restricted, normal routes closed or you may actually be putting yourself in danger. Let someone know what you are doing and where you are going and prepare for staying safe in your car.