Preparing for Isolation

Disasters can affect anyone, anywhere. Even if your household is not directly impacted, floodwaters, bushfires, storms and severe weather can isolate individuals and communities with little warning.

While some events may be a minor inconvenience, others may cause major impacts leading to days or even weeks of disruption, limiting access to essential services and making everyday tasks harder. Preparing now helps you stay safe and informed if the unexpected happens.

How You Can be Isolated

During disaster events, people can become isolated when hazards:

• prevent travel in and out of your area.
• damage roads, bridges and transport routes.
• disrupt power, water, internet and phone services.
• delay emergency assistance.

What to Plan For

Consider how your household would cope if you were isolated. Consider your needs during:

• an extended period of isolation.
• prolonged power, internet or communication outages.
• disruption to water supply or wastewater services.
• limited access to food, medicines, or fuel.

Planning ahead gives you more options and reduces stress during emergencies.

Build an Emergency Kit

Having an Emergency Kit is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for isolation. Your kit should support all members of the household for several days - including your pets!

Check out the Get Ready Guide for tips and checklists to help you put together your emergency kit.

Know When to Leave

In some situations, staying at home may not be safe. Leaving early while it is safe to do so may be the best option. Make sure you:

• know where you would go if you needed to leave.
• think about transport routes in advance.
• take your emergency kit with you.
• let family and friends know where you are going.

Learn More

Understanding isolation helps you prepare confidently and calmly. For more information:

• read the 'Preparing for Isolation' flyer.
• watch the Isolation video from our Ready Together series by clicking the button below.

Take Action

Preparing for isolation doesn't have to happen all at once. Start a conversation with others in your household, check what supplies you already have or make a simple plan for staying or leaving safety.

A little preparation today can make a big difference when it matters.