Accessible Preparedness Starts Here

People with disability can face extra challenges during a severe weather event

Severe weather can happen fast, and having a person-centred emergency plan helps you and your support people know what to do before, during and after it happens.

Get Ready Queensland knows that many places are not fully accessible, and that people with disability already use strong problem-solving skills every day. These skills can help you stay safe in an emergency.

If a serious weather event is unfolding near you right now...

I might need to evacuate

Evacuation centres should be your last option, especially if you have additional needs. If you can’t stay with family or friends, think about booking a nearby hotel, or contact your local hospital to see if they can support you.

My support needs during a severe weather event

If you rely on a support worker or support team, remember they might also be affected by severe weather. Now’s the time to talk with family or friends who can step in as backup if you need extra help.

If I can't stay home

Leave early so you don’t have to rush at the last minute. If bad weather is coming, it’s safer to move to another place now, instead of waiting and having to leave during severe weather.

Assistive Technology

Now is the time to charge your power devices for assistive technology. Make sure your backup batteries and portable chargers are full too.

Resources for Emergency Planning

P-CEP Workbook

Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) Framework and Toolkit

Get Ready Queensland Digital Planning Tool

If you have support needs that make emergencies harder, you can get tips here to help you plan and stay safe.

A good plan should include:

What you do best and what help makes things easier

What you have already done to get ready

What might be hard for you in an emergency

Person with a disability taking action to prepare

What you can do to fix or reduce those problems

Think about what you can do on your own and what you need help with in these areas:

Your living situation

Your social network

Ways you get around

Assistance animals or your pets

Communication

Personal Support

Management of Health

Assistive Technology

One of the best ways to get ready for severe weather is to learn from people who have been through it before.

Talking to people in your network like your family, friends, neighbours, support workers or community group can help you understand:

What severe weather events have happened in your area

What damage or impacts people experienced

What they wish they knew before the disaster

Tips that helped them stay safe or recover faster

Learn from lived experience

Aunty Semah, Tarrigindi

Aunty Semah is a devoted carer and parent to her adult son, who has Cerebral Palsy and Autism. As a passionate disability advocate, Aunty Semah has been actively involved in Brisbane’s disability sector for many years, working tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities are recognised, respected, and treated as equal citizens.

Uncle Willie, West End

Uncle Willie was born on Wakka Wakka country in Cherbourg and also maintains cultural and spiritual connections to the Kalkadoon people of Mt Isa. From an early age, he faced significant challenges. Living in Brisbane, Uncle Willie has experienced the impacts of major flood events, including those in 2011 and 2022.

Neale, Victoria Point

BIO STILL COMING

Joanna, Redland Bay

BIO STILL COMING

Get Ready Queensland Resources

Protect your pets

Protect your home

Pack an emergency kit

Protection while you travel

Emergeny Contacts

Service	Contact
Police, Fire or Ambulance	Call 000
SMS Relay Service	Text 0423 677 767
Voice Relay Service	Call 1300 555 727
TTY (Text Telephone) Service	Call 133 677
National Telephone Interpreter Service	Call 1800 131 450

Find your local council

Public Health Advice

Alerts and warnings

Useful apps

Mental health in natural disasters