With high-risk months fast approaching, almost a third of Australians confess they are not prepared at all for a potential disaster, according to a new study.
New independent research from Australia Post reveals that when disaster strikes, more than a quarter of Australians say they would turn to their mother first, closely followed by their father – and when it comes to nominating a ‘household hero’ to create the emergency plan, nearly three in ten households chose mum, while one in five nominate dad.
During EmergencyRedi week from September 15 to 21, Australia Post is delivering four million ‘prepare’ flyers to households in areas at high-risk of being impacted by disaster, aiming to raise awareness and drive action.
The flyer includes tips that are aimed at helping Australians become disaster-ready.
Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement Nicky Tracey said the organisation knows that planning ahead can reduce the impact of an emergency on families and communities, which is why we it is working closely with Australian Red Cross to urge people to take the necessary steps to prepare.
The research also highlights what Australians think the single most essential item is to pack in an emergency bag:
• Important documents such as passports and IDs came out on top, chosen by nearly one in three Australians.
• First aid kits and water followed closely, with medication also ranking highly.
• Technology like phone chargers was seen as more critical than food, emphasising the importance of staying connected in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
• If forced to leave home in just five minutes, more than a third of Aussies said the first thing they would grab is their phone. Pets came a close second, with nearly three in ten saying they’d prioritise taking their furry friends, while one in five would reach for their wallet.
Aiming to support Australians impacted by disaster, Australia Post is accepting donations to Australian Red Cross at participating Post Offices or online at auspost.com.au/disaster.
Together with Australian Red Cross, Australia Post is encouraging Australians to:
• Complete the organisations’ co-developed ‘Disaster Quiz’
• Create a household emergency plan
• Pack a household emergency kit
• Start conversations with family members about the importance of being prepared
Further details on disaster preparation are available on the Australian Red Cross website.
Details: redcross.org.au/prepare.
