Leading Australian News Publisher: Australians’ Lack of Emergency Preparedness Raises Concerns, Survey Reveals
A recent survey conducted by the Australian Red Cross has found that despite growing concerns, a majority of Australians are failing to actively prepare for emergencies. The survey, released on Monday, highlights the alarming fact that only 10 percent of Australians are taking steps to actively prepare for potential emergencies in the lead-up to summer.
One of the key findings of the survey is that 58 percent of participants expect to be impacted by heat waves in the next 12 months, a significant increase from 25 percent in 2018. Additionally, 34 percent expressed worries about the impacts of bushfires, compared to 26 percent five years ago. The survey also revealed that concerns about floods and heavy rains have increased from 29 percent in 2018 to 43 percent in 2023.
Penny Harrison, Chief of Staff at the Australian Red Cross, emphasized the need for active preparation in light of these concerns. While the data shows an increased awareness of the disaster risk among Australians, it is not translating into proactive measures. Harrison stated, Just thinking about it is not enough. We know the better prepared you are, the better your capacity to respond and recover from any emergency.
To coincide with the survey’s release, the Australian Red Cross launched Emergency Ready Week, an annual initiative that aims to encourage preparedness ahead of bushfire season. This initiative comes on the heels of a warning from the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) in August, declaring large parts of eastern and central Australia at high risk for spring and summer.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has also cautioned that most of Australia is expected to experience a hot and dry spring and summer, influenced by climate change and the likely occurrence of concurrent El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events.
It is crucial for Australians to take these warnings seriously and actively prepare for potential emergencies. The Australian Red Cross survey makes it clear that preparedness is essential for effective response and recovery. By taking steps now, Australians can ensure they are better equipped to face heat waves, bushfires, floods, and heavy rains that may occur in the coming months.
In conclusion, the survey’s findings highlight the pressing need for Australians to prioritize emergency preparation. As the risk of natural disasters continues to grow, it is imperative that individuals, communities, and authorities work together to ensure the safety and readiness of all Australians.
