Step 2: Get connected

Build a support network, plan with your household and choose safe meeting places.

Identify your support network

Three key people you know and trust:

Someone you can talk to
A person who lives nearby who can help
Someone physically able to lend a hand

The people most likely to help you in an emergency are your friends, family and neighbours. That's why it's a good idea to have at least three key people you know and trust, that you could call in an emergency. Let them know you may call on them to help.

My important contacts

Numbers of loved ones and neighbours
Numbers of any services you may need to access regularly
Numbers of services you might need after an emergency

Plan how to stay in touch with your most important contacts. Write down the numbers in a secure place. Have a back-up plan in case you forget the numbers or communications networks are down or simply because your phone runs out of battery.

Meeting places

One outside your house. For example, at the letterbox
Another outside your neighbourhood, in case you can't get home
And a third, somewhere you can stay overnight

Being separated from friends and loved ones is one of the most stressful things a person can go through in an emergency. It is easily avoidable with a bit of forward planning.

Grow your community

Introduce yourself to neighbours, the people in the local cafe or shop
Organise a street clean-up or communal garage sale
Join a local group or online community

A community is more than the geographic area you live in. It can include people you share an interest, hobby, language or religion.

Take another step

Get in the know

Understand local risks, manage stress, and know where to get information and help.

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.

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.

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