Suggested Home Care Support for People with Disability During a Cyclone Event in Brisbane, 2025

1. Pre-Cyclone Preparedness:

o Create Emergency Plans: Work with people with disability, their caregivers, and families to create individualised emergency plans. These plans should outline how they will receive support before, during, and after the cyclone, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and special needs (e.g., medical equipment, mobility aids, etc.).

o Pack Emergency Kits: Ensure that every home care recipient has a prepared emergency kit with essential items, including medications, documents, a first aid kit, a flashlight, water, non-perishable food, and backup power sources for medical equipment (e.g., portable oxygen tanks, CPAP machines).

o Communication Tools: Equip individuals with accessible communication tools (e.g., mobile phones, communication boards) to stay in contact with caregivers and emergency services. Ensure that family members, neighbours, and local support services are included in the communication plan.

2. Evacuation and Transportation Assistance:

o Arrange Transport Options: Make prior arrangements with local authorities or specialised services to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to transportation should evacuation be necessary. Ensure vehicles are wheelchair accessible or can accommodate other mobility devices.

o Designate Safe Shelters: Identify accessible evacuation shelters that can accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Contact these shelters in advance to confirm their readiness to provide necessary assistance (e.g., accessible bathrooms, medical care, staff trained in supporting individuals with disabilities).

3. Home-Based Support During the Cyclone:

o 24/7 Care Assistance: Ensure caregivers are available around the clock for people with disabilities, especially those who require assistance with daily living tasks. This includes assistance with personal care, feeding, and medication management. If necessary, temporary home care services may need to be arranged.

o Check-in Services: Coordinate regular check-ins via phone or in-person visits (if safe) for those who live alone or have limited mobility. This can be arranged through local community organisations, home care providers, or volunteers.

4. Communication with Emergency Services:

o Register with Emergency Services: Encourage people with disabilities to register with local emergency services to ensure they are prioritised for support during the cyclone. Brisbane City Council, for example, may have a registry for residents with special needs.

o Emergency Response Plans for Home Care Providers: Work with local emergency response teams to establish a plan for assisting people with disabilities, including priority evacuation and support services for those with medical or mobility challenges.

5. Post-Cyclone Care:

o Medical and Personal Care Needs: After the cyclone, ensure that people with disabilities receive any necessary medical care and personal assistance (e.g., wound care, medication refills, assistance with mobility). Home care staff should be ready to support these needs if evacuation has disrupted regular care services.

o Damage Assessment and Recovery: Help individuals with disabilities assess any damage to their homes and support repairs where possible. Special attention should be paid to making the environment safe and accessible, especially if mobility aids or medical equipment have been damaged.

6. Community Support Networks:

o Community Coordination: Set up community networks where people with disabilities can receive peer support during the cyclone. This can include neighbourhood check-ins, online groups, or community-led programs to ensure that no one is left without assistance.

o Post-Cyclone Emotional and Psychological Support: Provide access to counselling or emotional support services for people with disabilities who may experience heightened anxiety, stress, or trauma due to the cyclone.

7. Information Accessibility:

o Accessible Communication: Ensure that all cyclone-related information (warnings, updates, evacuation procedures) is available in accessible formats, such as large print, braille, sign language interpreters, or easy-read versions, and is broadcasted on accessible platforms (TV, radio, websites).

o Local Support Services Directory: Maintain a directory of local support services, including emergency contact details for disability-specific support organisations, local councils, healthcare services, and disaster relief organisations.

8. Staff Training for Emergency Situations:

o Disability-Inclusive Training for First Responders and Home Care Staff: Conduct training sessions for first responders, local emergency teams, and home care providers on how to assist individuals with disabilities during a cyclone. This should cover both physical and mental health needs and emphasise respectful, patient care.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Emergencies - Police, Fire, Ambulance - 000

State Emergency Service (SES) Help with Flood or Storm Damage - 13 25 00 

Ambulance, non-emergency - 13 12 33

13 HEALTH - 13 43 25 84

Energex - 13 19 62

Ergon Energy - 13 16 70

Police link (general enquiries) - 13 14 44

Road traffic and travel information - 13 19 40

By planning in advance and coordinating efforts, people with disabilities in Brisbane can receive the support they need to stay safe, informed, and cared for during a cyclone event.

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