Disaster Support for Murrumbidgee communities

Natural disasters are part of the Australian climate and landscape. In recent years, the devastating drought, bushfires and floods in the Murrumbidgee region and beyond have had an enormous impact on our local communities.

Prepare & Plan

Being prepared for an emergency means having a plan to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the most valuable belongings.

The Australian Red Cross has a range of practical resources and useful emergency management information.

Some tips to help you and your family prepare for an emergency or disaster include:

• Develop an emergency plan – you can utilise the Australian Red Cross RediPlan template or the REROC Fire + Flood Preparedness booklet.

• Update and test run your plan on a regular basis

• Pack your survival kit – you can utilise the Australian Red Cross checklist: Emergency Pack List

• Contact your neighbours to connect and offer mutual support

• Sign up for alerts from local and national organisations to receive updates and warnings Follow the advice of first responding lead agencies at all times!

• Download the Australian Red Cross ‘Get Prepared’ app

Respond

MPHN works closely with general practices, other healthcare professionals, RACFs and local communities to respond to medical care needs and improve health outcomes of people living in the Murrumbidgee.

Keep up to date with relevant alerts and warnings during a disaster

• Bureau of Meteorology – National warnings summary

• NSW Rural Fire Service – Fires Near Me

• NSW State Emergency Service

• NSW Natural Disaster Declarations

• NSW Transport Live Traffic

• ABC Radio

 For medical help:

 If your usual doctor or pharmacy is not available:

• Search the National Health Services Directory to find the closest doctor, pharmacy or other health services that are available

• Look up the Healthdirect – free Australian health advice accessible 24/7

• Contact Wagga GP After Hours Service or After Hours Border & Western regions

• In a life-threatening emergency always call 000

For Mental Health support:

For crisis support please contact:

• Murrumbidgee AccessLine 1800 800 944

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Emergency services 000 or your nearest emergency department

• 13YARN 13 92 76 – 24/7 crisis support for the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people

For a list of additional services and resources check MPHN Mental Health page.

Recover

Recovery after natural disaster and other emergencies is a complex and long running process, often requiring the physical rebuilding of infrastructure, but also the restoration of physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Resources

Resources for First Responders