Emergency Preparedness: Practical Tips for NDIS Participants

Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, heatwaves, and severe storms can happen without warning. For people with disabilities, being prepared is crucial to staying safe and maintaining access to essential supports. 

This guide offers practical tips you can take to prepare for an emergency and ensure that you, your family, and your supports network are ready to respond effectively in times of need. 

Why It Matters 

In an emergency, people with disabilities may face additional barriers, such as mobility difficulties, reliance on powered equipment, or communication needs. These factors can make evacuation or accessing help more difficult. Planning ahead helps reduce these risks and ensures you have the resources and support you need to stay safe and connected. 

Key Elements of an Effective Emergency Plan 

1. Personal Emergency Plan 

A personal and individualised emergency plan outlines what you will do in an emergency, what supports you may need, and who can help you. Key details to include: 

• Personal Information: Your full name, address, and medical information (including allergies, conditions, and medications) 

• Support Requirements: Any requirements related to mobility, communication, or medical support, such as the need for a carer, support or transport assistance 

• Evacuation Plan: Primary and secondary evacuation routes, considering transport or mobility limitations 

• Emergency Contacts: Names and contact numbers of support workers, family members, or friends who can assist in an emergency 

Keep your emergency plan in an easily accessible location and save a digital copy on your phone or cloud storage. Share the plan with those who are part of your support network. 

2. Emergency Kit 

An emergency kit should contain everything you may need to stay safe, independent, and healthy for at least 72 hours. Consider including the following: 

• Medical Supplies: Medications, medical documents, prescriptions, and a list of your healthcare providers 

• Assistive Devices: Spare batteries, chargers, and backup mobility or communication equipment 

• Communication Tools: A fully charged mobile phone, charger, and portable power bank 

• Daily Essentials: Non-perishable food, drinking water, hygiene items, and continence aids 

• Important Documents: Copies of your NDIS plan, identification, health records, and insurance 

Keep your emergency kit in a waterproof, easy-to-carry bag. Review and update it regularly to ensure everything is in working order and not expired. 

3. Plan for Specific Emergencies 

Cyclones, Severe Storms, and Power Outages 

• Have backup power options if you rely on ventilators, powered beds, or other assistive technology 

• Register with your local electricity provider as a life-support customer to receive priority reconnection during outages 

• Secure loose items around the home 

• Monitor weather updates 

Floods 

• Check your home’s flood risk through your local council  

• Identify safe and accessible evacuation routes in advance 

• Stay indoors during flooding unless evacuation is required 

• Keep a supply of fresh water for your drinking and hygiene needs 

• If you use powered mobility devices, consider backup options in case of water damage or power loss and inform your support network of possible access issues 

• Keep important equipment elevated or in waterproof storage 

• Avoid contact with floodwaters, which may carry contaminants and pose health risks 

Bushfires 

• Check your area’s fire risk using local fire services 

• Adopt a “Leave Early” strategy, especially if you live in a fire-prone area 

• Keep your emergency kit packed and ready during high-risk season 

Heatwaves 

• Stay indoors during peak heat and use fans or air conditioning when possible 

• Stay hydrated and keep a supply of cool packs or wet cloths 

• Identify a cool refuge nearby (e.g., libraries or community centres) 

• Monitor any health conditions that might be exacerbated by extreme heat and act quickly if symptoms appear 

NDIS Supports for Emergency Planning

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the importance of emergency preparedness. While the NDIS does not fund general disaster response or recovery, it may fund disability-related supports that assist with preparation, such as: 

• Support Coordination to help develop an emergency plan or ensure that your emergency requirements are integrated into your NDIS plan 

• Consumables for personal care during prolonged periods of disruptions, minimal of 2 weeks supply 

• Assistive Technology (AT) such as backup equipment or emergency communication aids 

Final Thoughts

Being prepared doesn’t mean you expect the worst — it means you’re ready to respond effectively if the unexpected happens. By taking steps now, you help protect your independence, safety, and wellbeing in any emergency. 

If you would like help understanding how your NDIS funding can support your emergency preparedness, speak with us, your Support Coordinator or your LAC. 

For more information, you can refer to NDIS and bushfire and emergency support