On this page:
- Know the risks before you go
- What to do if there's an extreme weather event or natural disaster
- Where to get help
- How the Australian Government can help
Know the risk before you go
Before you travel, ensure you know if your destination is more likely to have a natural disaster.
- Read the travel advice for where you're going. The 'Safety' section will have information about common extreme weather events and natural disasters. Subscribe to get updated if things change.
- Research where you're going online. Find out if you shouldn't travel there at certain times of year.
- Consider registering to alert services such as DisasterALERT or GDACS.
Read this page along with our specific advice for different types of natural disaster:
- bushfires
- cyclones
- earthquakes and tsunamis
- floods
- landslides, mudslides and avalanches
- tornadoes
- volcanic eruption
What to do if there's an extreme weather event or natural disaster
Jump to a section:
- Be informed
- Be prepared
- Stay in contact
- Make plans to leave
- If you can't leave or choose not to, shelter in place
Be informed
Find out what's happening, where and when. Get as many details as you can. Do this quickly. Natural disasters can affect phone lines, mobile towers and the internet. You may be unable to access information later or act on any new information you get.
Stay informed through:
- your location's emergency services website and social media
- the social media of @smartraveller and your nearest Australian embassy or consulate
- the local news
- your hotel manager or tour guide
- local authorities.
Find out where your nearest emergency shelter is. Have a back-up plan. If you can't get to where you planned to shelter, having other options ready can keep you calm and safe.
Be prepared
Prepare an emergency supply kit. Include things such as:
- water
- first aid
- food
- torches and batteries
- your passport and documents, in a waterproof bag
- a hardcopy list of emergency contacts
- prescription medicines, and your prescription if you have it
- if you have young children, nappies and feeding supplies.
Charge your devices and battery packs. If the power is cut off, you won't be able to charge them. You'll need them to monitor the situation.
Wear practical clothing and sturdy shoes.
Stay in contact
- Contact your family and friends. Let them know what's happening. If they've heard about it on news or social media, they'll fear for your safety.
- Contact your travel insurer. If you're covered, they may be able to help with emergency logistics and costs.
- Keep your list of emergency contacts on you.
- Use your devices sparingly to conserve battery.
Make plans to leave
If you've been given enough warning and it's safe to do so, consider leaving. Contact your airline or transport provider.
If you plan to leave, do so early. Natural disasters can cause flight cancellations and road closures. Transport options may be in short supply and high demand.
If you can’t leave or choose not to, shelter in place
- Know where you're sheltering. In most cases, the local emergency shelter is the safest place. Have back-up options ready.
- Know more than one way to get to safety without relying on help. Roads may be unpassable or unsafe. Emergency responders may be delayed or unable to get to you. There may be many people in need of help.
- If you're staying in a hotel, ask staff for the hotel's emergency evacuation plan.
- Listen to the authorities. Follow instructions from your hotel manager, tour guide and the local authorities.
- Check media for updates.
Listen for evacuation orders
Local authorities may issue an official evacuation order, often on news and radio. If there’s a local emergency channel, tune in to that.
If local authorities say you must leave, then leave. Staying despite an evacuation order puts your life at risk. It may be illegal to stay. You may void your travel insurance.
Where to get help
In some circumstances, the Australian Government may be able to help. In most cases, you'll need to exhaust all other options before seeking emergency consular help.
Local authorities
Seek help from local authorities first. Emergency services in most destinations have processes in place for natural disasters.
See 'Local contacts' in the travel advice for your location.
Local hospitals
If you're injured, get medical care. Go to the nearest hospital.
Your accommodation manager
They may have local knowledge about what's happening and advice on staying safe.
Travel companions
Stay together. Look after each other. Share information that will help others stay safe.
Family and friends back home
Reach out to your family and friends and ask for help. Especially if you need money. Or if you need someone to help coordinate flights out.
Your airline
Call your airline if you need to change your flight. You may have to pay to change it. They may have a policy on flight changes when there's a crisis.
Your travel agent
They may be able to help you get transport out of the country.
Travel insurance
Contact your travel insurer. If you can't find their emergency number, look them up on Find an Insurer (Insurance council of Australia).
How the Australian Government can help
It's important you understand our limits, especially in a crisis. Read the Consular Services Charter.
For emergency consular help:
- contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate
- phone the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) on +61 2 6261 3305