SOURCE: https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/prepare/know/ FETCHED: 2026-11-03 16:00 AEDT - Prepare for emergencies: get in the know | Australian Red Cross - - - - - - - - Search Donate Open menu - Home - Emergencies and disasters - Prepare - Get in the know # Step 1: Get in the know ##### Understand local risks, manage stress, and know where to get information and help. ### Prepare your mind How to manage your stress: - Anticipate what might cause you stress: “being separated from family”, “the noise of the wind”. Write these down. - Identify how you might react to these things: “I get quiet and withdrawn.” “My heart starts to race.” Write these down. - Think how you might manage these reactions: Deep breathing. Saying calming words: “I can do this”, “I’m prepared for this”. Emergencies can be very stressful. To help keep your stress levels down and make better decisions in an emergency, it’s good to know, and have practised, a way to manage your stress. Elite sports people and performers use techniques like these to help them get their best performance. #### Local risks Consider what the risks may be in your area. - Fire - Flood - Heatwave - Cyclone - Storm - Public disturbance - Power outage - Medical #### Where to get help Ambulance, Police, Fire Triple Zero (000) SES (flood and storm) 132 500 Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 Lifeline 13 11 14 #### Where to get information The ABC is the official emergency broadcaster. It will provide essential up to date information, including advice from authorities and support available. You can find your radio frequency at ABC Local Radio . You can also subscribe to ABC Emergency on Facebook to stay up to date with conditions and official Police, Fire, SES social media feeds. ### Take another step #### Get connected Build a support network, plan with your household, and choose safe meeting places. #### Get organised Prepare important documents, check insurance, and plan for pets, children, and sentimental items. #### Get packing Pack an emergency kit to stay safe and support your recovery – no matter what happens. ##### Create your Emergency Plan with our template Download ##### Keep your plan close with our Get Prepared app Learn more ##### Build a survival kit with our checklist Download # One step ahead ##### Help communities be prepared before disaster strikes. Donate now Australian Red Cross acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, their ancestors and Elders, past and present. Learn about our Reconciliation Action Plan and how we can all make reconciliation real . This website may contain the images, voices or names of people who have passed away. About - About us - Governance - Research and reports - History and heritage - Careers Resources - For school students - For parents and educators - For businesses - For journalists More - International Humanitarian Law - Humanitech - Australian Red Cross Lifeblood - Subscribe to our newsletter Connect with us All donations to Australian Red Cross are tax-deductible in Australia. Site protected by Google Invisible reCAPTCHA. © Australian Red Cross 2026. ABN 50 169 561 394