Australians are nearly five times more likely to prepare for a holiday than for a weather-related disaster, and with high-risk months fast approaching, almost a third of Aussies confess they are not prepared at all for a potential disaster, according to a September poll.

The new independent research from Australia Post reveals that when disaster strikes, more than a quarter of Australians say they would turn to Mum first, closely followed by Dad. And when it comes to nominating a ‘household hero’ to create the emergency plan, nearly three in ten households chose Mum, while one in five nominate Dad.  

Every day, and during EmergencyRedi week in particular, Australian Red Cross works to remind all Northern Rivers residents of the value in being prepared if disaster strikes. Look out for a 'Prepare' flyer in your letterbox this week, it will be one of 4 million delivered by Australia Post to high-risk areas throughout the country that are likely to be impacted by disaster to raise awareness and drive action. The flyer includes practical and simple tips to help Australians become disaster-ready.

Australia Post General Manager of Community & Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey, said Australia Post’s presence in regional and remote communities allows it to play a unique role in supporting Australians to build their disaster resilience.

"Our network covers all remote corners of Australia, which means our team members see the impacts of disasters in their communities firsthand.

“Our partnership with Australian Red Cross is part of our commitment to Australian communities. Together, we’ve raised vital funds via our Post Offices to support Australians impacted by disaster, as well as building awareness and sharing important information on disaster preparedness.

“We know that planning ahead can reduce the impact of an emergency on families and communities, which is why we are working closely with Australian Red Cross to urge people to take the necessary steps to prepare,” Ms Tracey said.

The research also highlights what Aussies think the single most essential items to pack in an emergency bag:

• Important documents such as passports and IDs came out on top, chosen by nearly one in three Australians.
• First aid kits and water followed closely, with medication also ranking highly.
• Interestingly, technology like phone chargers was seen as more critical than food, emphasising the importance of staying connected in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

If forced to leave home in just five minutes, more than a third of Aussies said the first thing they would grab is their phone. Pets came a close second, with nearly three in ten saying they’d prioritise taking their furry friends, while one in five would reach for their wallet.

Recognising how vital it is to stay connected during emergencies, Australia Post and Australian Red Cross are encouraging Australians to get prepared by completing the co-developed Disaster Quiz on the Australian Red Cross website, with the chance to win an Emergency Radio Torch.

With power outages common during disasters, the solar-powered device helps people stay informed through emergency radio updates. The device also acts as a torch and keeps phones charged when they’re needed most.

Since 2019, the Australian Red Cross and Australia Post have collaborated to support communities across Australia in building disaster resilience. In 2023, the partnership expanded to support Australian Red Cross’ Pillowcase workshops, an education program for primary school students in high-risk areas. The program teaches children practical skills such as what to pack in their ‘Pillowcase’ emergency kit, as well as how to manage the thoughts and feelings that can arise before, during and after a disaster.

Together with Australian Red Cross, Australia Post is encouraging Australians to:

• Complete the Disaster Quiz
• Create a household emergency plan
• Pack a household emergency kit
• Start conversations with family members about the importance of being prepared.

To take the first step, visit redcross.org.au/prepare.

To support Australians impacted by disaster, Australia Post is accepting donations to Australian Red Cross at participating Post Offices or online at auspost.com.au/disaster.