Salvos call on Aussies to prepare as disaster season begins
The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) are encouraging Australians to be alert and prepare for the upcoming summer season, as the risk of natural disasters increases heading into the warmer months.
The Bureau of Meteorology has released the outlook for this year’s High Risk Weather Season (October to April), showing increased risk of bushfire in parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, increased risk of extreme heat in far northern Australia and increased risk of flooding across eastern Australia.
“Severe weather events can happen at any time during the year, but the highest likelihood of extreme disasters like flooding, tropical cyclones, heatwaves and bushfires to occur is between October and April. The Salvos have seen this impact first hand, as we have supported individuals, families and communities for the last 130 years who have been impacted by natural disasters,” said Daryl Crowden, Head of The Salvation Army Emergency Services.
“This is why we are encouraging Aussies to get themselves and their homes ready. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but to be prepared for the potential risks that this season can bring. There are really practical ways you can prepare; make an emergency ‘go bag’ with key personal documents, ensure you have a few days supplies like food, water and even cash on hand, in case a disaster affects access to key services, and much more.”
The SAES teams have a long and credible history supporting Aussies during national disasters, both with meals and practical support when disasters strike as well as long-term emotional and financial support as communities recover and rebuild. This has included supporting people during Cyclone Tracy over 50 years ago, and more recently the 2019 Black Summer bushfires, the 2022 Queensland and New South Wales floods, and countless others.
In the past three years alone, SAES teams have distributed over 380,000 meals and refreshments and supported over 75,000 people, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without the 68,000 volunteer hours completed by over 10,000 incredible volunteers.
The Salvos have developed a number of practical resources that are available on The Salvation Army’s website, which will help people prepare themselves and their homes for this disaster season.
“Small, practical steps in preparation can make a huge difference for you and your family if a disaster strikes; it means you are ready to spring into action if needed, and you will have peace of mind knowing you have done all you can. The Salvos also want to encourage people to reach out to those around you, particularly your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, or those who live alone, ahead of this disaster season. We can get through anything if we do it together,” said Daryl Crowden.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s resources for disaster preparedness, or to find out more about the work of the SAES, visit salvationarmy.org.au/emergency-services
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For more information, please contact The Salvation Army’s Media Relations Department on (02) 94663143
