Families who have experienced disasters (part two): Being prepared

Disasters like floods, bushfires and drought are becoming more frequent and severe across Australia and can leave a lasting impact on the children and families who experience them.  

This episode is part two of a series where we talk with families who have experienced disasters. Over the coming weeks we’ll hear the stories of how they supported themselves and their children, and how they continue to navigate the recovery process.  

In this episode, host Nadia Rossi speaks with Sarnia. A parent of three children, she lives with her family who have experienced flood, cyclones and bushfire living in northern Queensland. Sarnia’s family knows what it is like to have time to prepare for a disaster, but also what it is like to have to evacuate immediately, without an opportunity for preparation or to process what is going on around them. She talks with Nadia about preparing for disasters and what her and her family have learnt from their experiences.

Content warning: This podcast discusses bushfire, flood and cyclones. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.

In this episode you will hear:

• Sarnia talk about how she managed the information her children heard about the disasters they were experiencing [04:42]
• Sarnia discuss the different experiences her family had when they had time to prepare for a disaster compared to evacuating immediately [07:01]
• Sarnia talk about ways children can show they are having difficulty processing and coping with events, and how adults in their lives can support them [14:51]
• Sarnia’s child’s response to the question: ‘What advice do you have for other adults listening today about what kids need to feel comforted and supported during and after disasters?’ [22:39]

Further information and resources:

Families who have experienced disasters (part one): Age-appropriate supports for children

In focus: Supporting your child after a bushfire

Looking after your wellbeing following a bushfire

In focus: Supporting your child after a flood

Looking after your wellbeing following a flood

What families can do to look after themselves following a flood

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