Protecting your health in an emergency

Check through the information on this page and work towards being ready if a disaster happens.

During an emergency you should listen to your radio for updates and any public health issue notices.

It may take time to get everything back to normal after an emergency.

Floodwaters can carry bugs that cause disease from ground surface septic tanks and sewerage systems. Make sure everyone helping with clean-up wears protective clothing and wash their hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking or vaping. Be aware of the hazards from contaminated water, mould, silt and also dust when the silt dries. Cleaning out buildings where animals have been may expose you to diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella.

Volcanoes produce many hazards that can impact health. These include ash, gas, flying rocks, lava and mud flows (lahars). Volcanic emissions — usually gases and ash — can result in air pollution that may be harmful to people.

Fires can expose people to a range of hazardous substances.

Asbestos released in the air from fire or the destruction of buildings can be harmful to people's health. The hazard is from inhaling the fibres, not from swallowing or skin contamination.