Helping Australians get ready

Preparing has never been more important

With 83% of Australians expecting to experience an emergency within the next five years^*, EmergencyRedi Week was a chance for communities across the country to turn awareness into action. Together, people strengthened their preparedness, built local connections and took meaningful steps towards a more resilient future.

Australians understand the risk. Many still don't feel ready.

From storms and flooding to extreme heat and bushfires, communities across Australia are increasingly experiencing the impacts of emergencies and disasters.

Research conducted for Australian Red Cross found that while most Australians expect to be affected by an emergency, one in three don't feel confident knowing what to do when disaster strikes. Helping people turn awareness into action was the driving force behind this year's preparedness activities during EmergencyRedi Week.

Turning awareness into action

Throughout September, communities across the country came together to learn practical skills, build local connections and take simple actions that can make a real difference when emergencies happen.

Whether attending a local workshop, downloading preparedness resources, creating an emergency RediPlan or having conversations with family and neighbours, thousands of Australians took steps towards becoming more prepared.

Importantly, the focus wasn't just on individual rediness. EmergencyRedi Week highlighted the critical role social connection plays before, during and after emergencies, recognising that communities are stronger and more resilient when people prepare together.

Making preparedness more accessible

A major milestone this year was the launch of RediPlan in Auslan, helping make preparedness information more accessible for Australia's deaf community.

New language translated resources were also introduced to help ensure more people can access practical preparedness information in ways that meet their needs.

Young people were another important focus, with hundreds of students participating in Pillowcase Workshops and learning skills that can help strengthen resilience for years to come.

A collective effort

The reach and impact achieved this year would not have been possible without the support of partners, volunteers and communities across Australia.

Thank you to NRMA Insurance, Australia Post, Coles, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, Ford Australia, Resilient Sydney, emergency services agencies, local councils, government representatives and community organisations who helped amplify preparedness messages and support communities to take action.

Looking ahead

Preparedness doesn't happen in a single week.

But every emergency RediPlan created, every preparedness conversation started and every person who takes action contributes to stronger, safer and more resilient communities.

As Australia continues to face increasingly frequent and complex emergencies, helping people prepare before disaster strikes remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and support communities when they need it most.