Disaster preparedness and response

A list of websites to agencies that can help in time of disaster and disaster recovery.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES)
http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au

The State Emergency Service is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to assisting the community.
While its major responsibilities are for flood and storm operations, the SES also provides the majority of general rescue effort in the rural parts of the state including road accident rescue, vertical rescue, bush search and rescue and other forms of specialist rescue that may be required due to local threats.

The website contains flood and storm safety information and suggestions for a family emergency kit.

NSW Fire Brigades - for communities
http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/community

Community safety is one of the NSWFB’s three critical capabilities. As well as responding to and managing emergency incidents, the NSWFB also does work in prevention, preparedness and recovery, with and for local communities.

The website includes fire escape plans.

NSW Department of Community Services - disaster recovery services
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/disaster/disaster.htm

DoCS’ disaster recovery services provide support to help people and communities recover from disasters such as floods, droughts, storms and bushfires, and other major incidents.

We help to meet the immediate welfare and support needs of people affected by disasters. This includes coordinating provision of food, accommodation, clothing, advice, guidance and financial and personal support.

Immediate assistance is available to disaster victims from locally established Evacuation Centres. Staff in these centres help meet the immediate needs of evacuees.

People affected by disaster who require assistance should register with DoCS at their local Evacuation or Disaster Recovery Centre or call the 24 hour State Disaster Recovery Centre telephone service on 1800 018 444.

The site also provides information on eligibility for financial assistance for those affected by disasters.

FloodSafe (Hawkesbury Nepean)
http://www.floodsafe.nsw.gov.au

FloodSafe is a partnership of government and non-governemnt agencies that aims to encourage people to protect their families, homes and possessions and evacuate safely in times of flood.

The site has a list of frequently asked questions and a Family Flood Plan Worksheet.

Australian Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org.au

Practical assistance and support in times of disasters of all kinds. 

Salvation Army
http://www.salvos.org.au

Care for victims in time of disaster.

The website has a free booklet available for download on "Coping in Times of Crisis or Disaster"

Centrelink Disaster Recovery Payment
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/disaster_relief.htm

Disaster Recovery Payment gives you short-term financial assistance if you are the victim of a major or widespread disaster.

AGDRP is payable to eligible Australian residents who are adversely affected by a designated natural or non-natural disaster, whether within Australia or offshore. The assistance is made up of a payment to the claimant and an additional amount for each dependant child.

National Missing Persons Unit
http://www.missingpersons.gov.au/national/missing/index.html

The NMPU mission is to coordinate and promote a national integrated approach to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons.

NMPU works in partnership with law enforcement, Commonwealth and state government agencies, tracing organisations and the community.

Australian Government travel advisories and consular assistance
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade produces travel advisories for Australian travellers or residents overseas to ensure Australians are well-informed and well-prepared for travel overseas and to help them avoid dangers and difficulties.

The website contains practical advice for every traveller on a range of issues like visa requirements, health and medical issues, cultural or religious differences, etc. It also tells you how to get in touch with the local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or where else you might be able to get assistance if you need it.