Preparing and recovering from a disaster can be an overwhelming task. If disaster strikes, here is a list of resources and links to help you.
As always, the team at NGINA are here to help be while preparing/recovering from a disaster:
If you require assistance due to fire, flood and storm emergencies, please phone NSW SES, 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies call 000 (triple zero).
Keep Updated:
Keep updated on new warnings via the NSW SES website and their various social media channels.
You can also keep updated via the ABC radio. The ABC Emergency webpage is also a useful tool for emergency and general information on disaster preparation and recovery
Be Prepared:
A series of industry resources were developed and shared, including six nursery preparation checklists designed to guide businesses to mitigate risks and prepare and manage the natural hazards most likely to impact their nursery operation. Each checklist articulates the hazard’s characteristics and recommends actions at different stages of an event.
- Click here for the Flood Preparation Checklist
- Click here for the Frost Preparation Checklist
- Click here for the Hail Storm Preparation Checklist
- Click here for the Cyclone and Severe Wind Checklist
- Click here for the Heatwave Checklist
- Click here for the RFS bushfire Survival Plan - Make sure your Nursery/Business is bush fire ready!
Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS), has some great resources and checklists for preparing for disasters.
Ask For Help:
Looking after your mental health following a disaster.
It's common for communities and individuals affected by a disaster to experience a range of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can be intense, confusing, and frightening. These reactions can be severe and are at their worst in the first week after the event, however, in most cases, they fade over a month. Some common reactions include:
· feeling overwhelmed
· feeling numb and detached
· inability to focus
· inability to plan ahead
· constant tearfulness
· intrusive memories or bad dreams related to the event
· sleep disturbances
· constant questioning – "What if I had done x, y or z, instead?"
· 'replaying' the event and inventing different outcomes in order to be prepared should it happen again.
Dealing with the emotional impact of a disaster:
· spend time with people who care
· give yourself time
· find out about the impact of trauma and what to expect
· try to keep a routine going e.g. eating, sleeping, work, study routines and returning to normal activities
· talk about how you feel about what happened when you are ready|
· do things that help you relax
· set realistic goals that keep you motivated, but don't take on too much
· review and reward progress – notice even the small steps
· be prepared for times when you feel you are making no progress, everyone experiences this
· talk about the ups and downs of recovery with friends, family and the health professionals involved in your care
· have a plan to maintain positive changes and plans to deal with times of stress or reminders of the trauma.
For free, immediate and confidential support, you can call:
Beyond Blue - Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support. 1300 22 4636
Lifeline - 24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. 131 114
Kids Helpline - A telephone counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25 and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1800 551 800
Emergency 000 - If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.