Floods, fires, storms and other natural disasters can disrupt entire communities within hours. Healthcare facilities may become difficult to reach, medication supplies can be interrupted and people with disabilities, chronic conditions or other support needs may face additional challenges.

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction highlights the importance of preparing before an emergency happens. Knowing where essential documents and medication are kept, having emergency contacts available and understanding local evacuation information can make a difficult situation easier to manage.

Community preparedness matters too. Neighbours, schools, healthcare services and emergency organisations all play a role in reducing the impact of disasters.

In an emergency in South Africa
call 10177 for an ambulance or 112 from a mobile phone.