Research reveals Australians know the risks of disasters, but stop short of being prepared

The annual emergency preparedness survey conducted by Australian Red Cross has reveal that a staggering 83% of people in Australia expect to be affected by an emergency in the next five years. yet 33% don't feel confident to know what to do when disaster strikes.  

Key survey findings

• 83% of people in Australia expect to be affected by an emergency in the next five years, but 33% don't feel confident to know what to do when disaster strikes
• Three quarters (77%) of Australians say being prepared psychologically and emotionally for an emergency is just as important as being prepared physically in a practical sense
• Millennials are the least likely to say they were physically prepared for emergencies and disasters (71%)
• 62% of people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia don’t feel psychologically prepared in emergencies and disasters
• One in eight people in Australia (13%) who experienced a disaster in the past year took no steps to prepare, while the most common forms of preparation were passive actions such as thinking about risks (36%) or considering a plan (36%).

With more than four in five people having experienced an emergency or disaster either directly or within their community, Australian Red Cross, Director of Recovery and Resilience Nichola Krey said the statistics reflect how many Australians need support to take the next step.

"Australians understand that emergencies can happen, but many still don't feel confident about what to do when they occur. We want people to feel like getting prepared is simple and achievable. Taking a few small actions today can make a real difference in an emergency," said Ms Krey.

The research also highlighted the widespread recognition of emotional and psychological preparedness, with over three quarters (77%) agreeing that being psychologically and emotionally prepared is just as important as being practically prepared.

"Being prepared isn’t just about having supplies on hand. It's about understanding your options, knowing where to find information, identifying your support networks and having a plan that works for your household."

"When people take time to prepare ahead of an emergency, they're often better placed to make informed decisions and navigate challenges should they arise. This directly correlates to the recovery process after the emergency as well".

The survey also found Millennials were the least likely generation to report being physically prepared for an emergency (71%), while culturally and linguistically diverse Australians were less likely to feel psychologically prepared (62%).

"Everyone deserves access to clear and practical emergency preparedness information. Australian Red Cross provides preparedness resources in multiple languages to help people understand what to do before, during and after an emergency, build their confidence and create a RediPlan that works for their household and circumstances."

The survey findings released as part of Australia’s nationwide emergency preparedness campaign EmergencyRedi Week (14-20 September 2026), highlight an opportunity for more people to turn awareness into action by taking simple steps to prepare themselves, their households and communities.

To get prepared for an emergency:

• create an emergency RediPlan available at https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/resources/ 
• attend an EmergencyRedi workshop (see event list on redcross.org.au/emergencyredi)
• download Australian Red Cross’ the free Get Prepared App (co-created with NRMA Insurance) from Apple store or Google Play
• learn more on preparing children for emergencies via the Pillowcase Workshops, supported by Australia Post

Australian Red Cross is also raising funds this September to help communities build the plans, skills and resources they need to prepare for disasters. Donations can be made at: https://www.redcross.org.au/support/

About the research

The research was commissioned Australian Red Cross and was conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 2,000 Australians 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 5 June 2026 and 15 June 2026. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

---

For media enquiries, including requests for interviews, please contact:  media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443

Please find our B-roll footage

About Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross is a volunteer-based organisation that exists to reduce human suffering, neutrally and impartially. With 112years’ experience and a community of 18,000+ members and volunteers, we act locally and connect globally to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed most. We belong to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) and, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and 190 other National Societies in countries around the world, we are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network; 16 million volunteers that help those impacted by disaster, conflict, health and other social issues.