Home > Get Ready Challenge > Stage Six
Bushfires and other emergencies can be pretty overwhelming for everyone, but a bit of forward planning makes a world of difference. We know that not everybody is able to do the necessary preparations themselves. So we’ve put our heads together and come up with this list of free services and resources for
- older people
- people with disability and their carers
- Parents of kids on the autism spectrum
Some are online, others where an actual person comes and works with you, and they’re all designed to help if you need a bit of extra support.
In-Person Practical Help
Person-Centred Emergency Planning Toolkit (P-CEP)
This is a planning framework to help people with extra support needs to prepare for an emergency. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach the P-CEP focuses on your specific needs and strengths.
Marj’s story shows how the system works. Working with her local community support organisation, Marj identified her specific capabilities and support needs. In this video Marj explains how they developed a plan together, and her smile is evidence of the peace of mind she has knowing this plan is in place.
You can go through the process yourself, or ask a local community support organisation like Belong Blue Mountains to help – they should be able to access it free of charge.
Find out more about PCEP.
Rural Fire Service AIDER Program
You may remember this from the Assisted Yard Blitz task in Stage Four. AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) is a free one-off session where RFS volunteers come to your place and help with practical tasks like cleaning gutters or trimming trees.
If you’ve got difficulties with mobility, or you’re a carer of someone who does, this is for you.
Online Resources
I’m Okay
An emergency readiness website specifically for people with disability. Covers topics such as:
- Bushfires, storms, personal safety
- Preparing service animals for emergencies – a vital part of planning if you intend to evacuate with your service animal
- Packing for an emergency with disability-specific considerations
This site has a huge list of support options for people with disability who have been affected by bushfire. Topics include
- Replacing essential equipment
- Finding a place to stay if you have to leave your home
- Managing chronic conditions during a disaster.
For deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community. Clear information about natural hazards including bushfires, presented in accessible formats.
Birdie’s Tree Natural Disaster Recovery storybooks
These free online children’s stories follow a character called Birdie through natural disasters. They’re designed for families with young children but not disability-specific, so have a look first to see if they suit your child.
Supporting children on the autism spectrum during bushfire season
If you’re parenting a child on the spectrum, you already know they’re incredibly perceptive. They pick up on the adult anxiety that comes with fire season, sometimes before we’ve even acknowledged it ourselves.
Bushfire season brings heightened stress, changed routines, and lots of “what if” conversations. This may translate into increased anxiety or behavioural changes.
Social stories are an effective tool for helping kids understand and prepare for stressful situations. The Early Connections social story about bushfires provides a good foundation that you can adapt for your child’s specific needs and communication style.
Practical considerations:
- Use social stories to interpret what’s happening and what to expect
- Include your child’s specific needs in planning evacuation scenarios
- Add any specific sensory needs to your Emergency Kit
- Maintain routines where possible during high-stress periods
You’ll know your child best, so use these resources as starting points rather than prescriptions.
Tips for Carers
As a carer you spend a lot of your time putting others first, but your own preparation matters too. A few reminders:
- Pack extra medications and scripts.
- Keep a written list of emergency contacts.
- Rehearse exit routes with your household.
- Have a small “carer’s grab bag” with essentials for yourself.
Being ready means you can keep giving the support others rely on.
Got questions or know of other useful resources?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us– we’re always keen to hear your bright ideas.
Big thanks to Jacqueline Dyball from Uniting for her help putting this together.