In times of a natural disaster, looking after your general health may be forgotten. Existing illnesses can become worse and prescriptions may be left behind if you’re forced to evacuate. Here are five simple steps to help prepare you if a disaster occurs.
My Health Record
In an emergency, health professionals can access your health records through My Health Record. My Health Record securely stores your medical history, allergies, and medications online.
Install the my health app on your mobile device and ask your doctor to store your medical information on My Health Record.
Your medication
Electronic prescriptions
A pharmacist can store your scripts online with Active Script List (ASL). Your pharmacist or doctor can then access these scripts in an emergency.
Register for Active Script List with your pharmacist
Declared emergencies
In declared emergency situations a pharmacist has special permission to dispense certain medications without a prescription. If you have evacuated your home and need medicine, talk to a pharmacist.
Therapeutic Goods Administration advice
Seeing a doctor
If you have a chronic illness you should prioritise getting health advice in an emergency as your condition can quickly become worse. If your regular GP is not available there are other options.
Healthdirect
Visit the healthdirect website to find a doctor near you.
You can also call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse for advice.
After hours medical services
For after hours medical services in South Western Sydney visit our website.
After hours medical services in South Western Sydney
Look after your mental health
Disasters can affect your emotions and mental health. They can also make mental health and drug and alcohol issues worse. If you need help with your mental health, you can access support.
Head to Health
Free guidance and support during regular business hours.
Call 1800 595 212
headtohealth.gov.au
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support.
Call 13 11 14
lifeline.org.au
Making an emergency health plan
If there is an emergency, like a bushfire or flood, having emergency plans in place can give you peace of mind.
The Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) tool can be used by anyone, including people with a disability.
collaborating4inclusion.org/home/pcep
If you have diabetes
During an emergency, the body uses sugar differently. You may need to adjust your medicine. The National Diabetes Services Scheme has a diabetes in emergency plan you can fill out to help you plan.
ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/health-management/emergencies-and-diabetes
NSW Police Next of Kin Program
If you live alone, you can sign-up to have a friend or family member’s details listed with the police, to be used in emergency. You can also share any medical issues.
Register at your local police station.
Next of Kin Program application
Staying informed
Get the right information in an emergency from:
ABC Radio:
ABC Illawarra 97.3 MHz FM
ABC Sydney 702 AM
Emergency services:
Hazards Near Me app
Rural Fire Service (RFS) website
State Emergency Service (SES) website
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website
Local councils:
City of Canterbury-Bankstown
Camden Council
Campbelltown City Council
Fairfield City Council
Liverpool City Council
Wollondilly Shire Council
Wingecarribee Shire Council
