Why Does this Matter?
Climate change increases the likelihood of catastrophic disasters, including fires, floods, storms and heatwaves. People experiencing poverty and disadvantage are especially at risk from the adverse effects of natural disasters, and often have the least resources to be able to adapt or mitigate against the risks. Our sector has an important role to play in addressing this.
Housing in South Australia is not designed to withstand our warming climate, and housing is still being built in high-risk areas. Rising insurance premiums are increasingly out of the reach of many.
SACOSS has been active in a range of areas to advocate and support initiatives to promote climate and disaster preparedness for our sector, and the people and communities we work with and care for.
What does SACOSS Want?
Strategic Collaboration
A sustainable commitment to collaboration between state, local and non-government sectors to address the needs of people most at risk in emergencies.
Preparedness activities
Accessible and practical information about disaster risk and community education on how to prepare for those risks for affected communities.
Better Communication
Accessible, timely and accurate communication and emergency warning systems
Better Response
Response and recovery supports that reflect best evidence and local needs.
Better Policy
Ensuring that government policy and practice does not exacerbate disaster risk.
LESSONS From the flood
Lessons from the Flood: A focus on people at risk in emergencies is a report by SACOSS and Red Cross based on stakeholder forums in the wake of the 2022 -23 River Murray flood.
PEOPLE AT RISK IN EMERGENCIES
People at Risk in Emergencies (PaRE) is a SACOSS project in collaboration with Australian Red Cross that brings together the emergency management and community services sectors to make informed decisions about how to improve outcomes for people at increased risk before, during and after disasters.
CLIMATE CHANGE Publications
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