Free tips on how to get ‘Redi’ for an emergency

Published 10:00am 28 February 2026

Words by Nick Crockford

Moreton Bay is to host one or two free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi workshops to help residents better protect their property.

With extreme weather events increasing in frequency and severity, residents are being urged to attend the workshops in North Lakes and Redlands. The North Lakes workshop is on Thursday March 12, 1-2.30pm at North Lakes Community Centre, Meeting Room 1, Level 2/10 The Corso. The Redlands workshop is on March 6.

The call comes as 13,131 wild weather damage claims were lodged across Australia last spring, the highest number of spring claims since 2022.

The Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshops, supported by NRMA Insurance, will give insights into weather risks and guidance to prepare for emergencies.

NRMA Insurance figures show 23 per cent of Australians don’t understand extreme weather risks and 1 in 3 are not aware of how to prepare for an extreme weather emergency.

Additionally, 61 per cent of Australians do not have an emergency plan to help respond to an extreme weather event.

Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshops help attendees build a RediPlan which includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, key documents, special items, medical information and stress management strategies.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Community Impact, Jennifer Cobley said: “Our research shows 40 per cent of Australians do not feel prepared to respond to extreme weather.

“Taking steps to prepare before an event happens goes a long way in protecting yourself, your loved ones, your community and the things you care about.”

Brisbane residents are being urged to attend a free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop to strengthen their preparedness and better protect their households.

The call to action comes as 13,131 wild weather damage claims were lodged across Australia last spring, the highest number of spring claims since 2022 - highlighting the continued impact of severe weather on communities across the nation.

Running across the Brisbane region until 12 March, the Australian Red Cross is hosting EmergencyRedi™ Workshops, proudly supported by NRMA Insurance.

The free sessions provide participants with insights into local weather risks and practical guidance to help them prepare for emergencies.

Research from NRMA Insurance shows a need for greater emergency preparedness as nearly 1 in 4 Australians (23%) do not have a good understanding of extreme weather risks in their local area, and 1 in 3 are not aware of the steps they need to take to prepare for an extreme weather emergency.

Additionally, 61% of Australians do not have an emergency plan to help them respond to an extreme weather event.

Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshops have already helped thousands of Aussies across the country learn about local risks and gain useful knowledge and tools to prepare for future emergencies.

Attendees build their own award-winning Australian Red Cross emergency RediPlan®, which includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, key documents, special items, medical information and stress management strategies. All your vital information in one emergency plan.

The workshop forms part of Help Nation, an initiative created by NRMA Insurance to unite people, communities and organisations across Australia to get prepared and know their local extreme weather risks.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Community Impact, Jennifer Cobley said: “Our research shows 40% of Australians do not feel prepared to respond to extreme weather.

“Through these workshops we want to help Brisbane residents better understand their local risks and provide the information and tools to get prepared. Taking steps to prepare before an event happens goes a long way in protecting yourself, your loved ones, your community and the things you care about.”

To register for the Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ workshop and learn more about how to get prepared for extreme weather, visit nrma.com.au/helpnation

Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Brisbane Workshops details:

Moreton Bay