A Guide for People with Low or No Vision
Understanding the Risks
You may face extra challenges during floods, storms, cyclones, and other emergencies because many warnings and local updates rely on visual cues such as flashing lights, evacuation signs, or public information on tv, social media and websites.
Navigating safely during disasters may also be harder, and accessing important information quickly can be difficult without accessible formats or assistance.
Even if your home is safe, you may be unable to see hazards, obstacles, or route changes, increasing risk during evacuation.
Early planning, preparation, and support can make a big difference in staying safe.
Top 10 Tips
- Use accessible alerts – Sign up for voice alerts or braille-enabled notifications via your phone from your local council and/or the Bureau of Meteorology
- Know your surroundings – Familiarise yourself with evacuation routes, landmarks, and safe meeting points.
- Create a communication plan – Agree on a way to stay in contact with family, carers, or neighbours.
- Build a support network – Identify trusted people who can assist if you need to evacuate or share updates.
- Prepare a tactile or labelled emergency kit – Include essential items, mobility aids, medical devices, and emergency information in accessible formats.
- Keep your devices ready – Charge phones, mobility devices, and any tactile or audio alert systems.
- Practice your emergency plan – Familiarity with routines increases confidence during hazards.
- Request accessible information – Ask your local councils for warnings in audio, braille, or screen-reader formats.
- Prepare guide or mobility aids – Canes, guide dogs, or assistive technology should be ready and accessible.
- Plan transport in advance – Know accessible transport options and have backup plans for reaching safe locations.
Support Services
Accessible Alerts & Communication
- Vision Australia – Provides accessible emergency information, guidance, and tools for people with vision impairment. (visionaustralia.org)
Community & Advocacy
- Guide Dogs Queensland – Support for safe navigation and disaster preparedness with trained guide dogs. (guidedogsqld.com.au)
- Blind Citizens Australia (Queensland Branch) – Advocacy and resources for accessible disaster information. (blindcitizens.org.au)
Safety & Preparedness Support
- Disability Gateway – Central access point for emergency info, including accessible formats and support. (disabilitygateway.gov.au)
- Council & SES Accessibility Services – Contact your local council to request audio or tactile warning systems.
Recovery & Assistance
- Community Recovery Hotline – 24/7 financial and emotional recovery support for people with disabilities. (qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies)
- Housing Assistance After Disasters – Accessible temporary accommodation and support for people with vision impairment. (qld.gov.au/housing/emergency-temporary-housing)
Decision‑Making Table – Before a Disaster
| Before the Event | Ask Yourself | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| Am I getting emergency alerts and information in a way I can use | Do I have accessible alerts and a clear way to receive them? | Sign up for voice, braille, or text notifications; ensure devices are charged. |
| Can I safely shelter in place? | Are my mobility aids and emergency kit ready? | Check canes, guide dog access, and make kit accessible. |
| Should I find alternative accommodation? | If power fails or roads are flooded, would I be OK staying at home for up to 5 days or would it be safer to stay in a hotel or with friends? | Plan an early evacuation; identify alternative accessible accomodation. |
| Do I need to contact my support network? | Do they know my needs and preferred communication methods? | Share your plan with family, carers, or neighbours. |
| Is my emergency plan accessible? | Can I access instructions in a format I can use (audio, braille, tactile)? | Confirm all information is in accessible formats and everyone helping knows how to use them. |
Where to Get More Information
- Local council disaster pages with screen-reader or audio support.
- The Bureau of Meteorology can provide text or voice warnings.
- Organisations like Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Queensland for accessibility guidance.