Natural Disaster Readiness & Recovery

This section of the College website is dedicated to helping you minimise the impact of crises and natural disasters.  It should help you and your community, in part, towards a speedy recovery so you can return to normal practice functions in the aftermath of a disaster. Because we are part of a network of rural medical collaborators who can work to establish channels, you will always have the most up to date resources and information during your and your community's time of need.

In the event of an emergency, the College will maintain regular contact with its members and Fellows via email and SMS.

Information, alerts, warnings

• ABC Local Radio: Includes links to local radio frequencies, local flood maps, emergency services and support services.
• Weather and Flood Warnings (Bureau of Meteorology): Severe weather warnings, flood warnings and water level projections, etc.
• Text Alerts: You can sign up for free early warning messages, which are delivered as text to your mobile phone.

Resources

Rural Doctors Foundation 

The Rural Doctors Foundation has resources, including webinars, to assist with the process of rebuilding after floods.

Access resources

Services Australia

Mygov

Australian Red Cross

Flood Preparation & Recovery Plan

Brindabella Family Practice in Queanbeyan, NSW, was flooded on 10 December 2010. ACRRM Fellow, Dr David Poland, said that he and his team had 20 minutes to move vital records and equipment to the upper floor. Their flood preparation and recovery plan had the practice up and running again within 90 hours. Dr Poland has given ACRRM permission to publish a copy of the Brindabella Family Practice’s very detailed flood preparation and recovery plan.

Download Flood Action Plan.

Online Course: Approach to Care - Natural Disasters

This course introduces you to some of the public health and psychosocial issues associated with environmental disasters and the role that can be played by primary health practitioners in responding to individual and community impact.

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Online course - Supporting Children and Families in General Practice After a Natural Disaster or Community Trauma

Supporting Children and Families in General Practice After a Natural Disaster or Community Trauma, is for GPs working with families and children affected by natural disasters such as fire, floods or storms, or by community trauma events.

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