Territorians told to kit up for disaster during EmergencyRedi Week
With high-risk weather season on the horizon, Territorians are being urged to gear up and prepare for possible disaster during EmergencyRedi Week.
We’re moving into high-risk weather season and Territorians are being urged to build their disaster resilience and not rely on “household heroes” in the months ahead.
The reminder from Australia Post and Australian Red Cross comes at the beginning of EmergencyRedi Week which runs until September 20.
It comes at the same time Northern Territory Emergency Service is asking people to start preparing their homes.
Speaking with this masthead over the weekend, Ian Carlton, region manager of the Northern Territory Emergency Service Southern Command, said being prepared can make a big difference.
“We just ask people to prepare their homes, get their home emergency kit and plan in place, clean gutters, look for loose objects that can be thrown around during the wind storms and get ready and be prepared,” he said.
Independent research from Australia Post found Australians are five times more likely to prepare for a holiday than for a weather-related disaster with almost a third of participants admitted they are not at all prepared if disaster does hit.
It also found a quarter of Australians would rely on mum first, closely followed by dad if disaster did strike.
Free emergency radio torch up for grabs
To help people be more prepared, Australian Red Cross and Australia Post are teaming up this week to help equip people for a potential emergency.
They are even offering the chance to win a solar-powered emergency radio torch which helps people stay connected, acts as a torch and can charge phones by taking part in the Disaster Quiz on the Australian Cross website.
Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said this was particularly important in regional and remote communities.
“Our network covers all remote corners of Australia, which means our team members see the impacts of disasters in their communities first-hand,” she said.
“Our partnership with Australian Red Cross is part of our commitment to Australian communities.
“Together, we’ve raised vital funds via our post offices to support Australians impacted by disaster, as well as building awareness and sharing important information on disaster preparedness.
“We know that planning ahead can reduce the impact of an emergency on families and communities, which is why we are working closely with Australian Red Cross to urge people to take the necessary steps to prepare.”
Steps Territorians can take include:
– Completing the Disaster Quiz
– Creating a household emergency plan
– Packing a household emergency kit
– Start conversations with family members and loved ones
To find out more and for guidance, you can visit the Australian Red Cross website.
