Evacuation in a disaster

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The safety of residents is the primary consideration in any evacuation. Any decision to evacuate should carefully consider the risks. In some situations, sheltering in place may provide a higher level of safety than leaving.

Evacuation options

If an evacuation notice is issued, follow emergency services instructions immediately – it may save your life. 

You may need to leave your home during a disaster. What you do depends on whether an official evacuation notice has been issued. Evacuations can be self‑initiated, recommended or directed.

Follow this order of preference:

  1. Shelter‑in‑place
    Stay where you are unless it’s unsafe and leaving is safer than staying.
  2. Seek shelter with family or friends living in safer locations (preferred evacuation option)
    Only evacuate if it’s safe to travel.
  3. Use an evacuation centre (last resort)
    If the first two options aren’t available or evacuation advice has been issued by emergency services, check the Disaster Dashboard to confirm a centre has been activated. Do not go to an evacuation centre unless it is announced it is open.

Your safest route when evacuating may change due to flooding or changing fire conditions. Use the safest direct route available and follow official updates on the Disaster Dashboard.

Activation of Evacuation Centres

Redland City has several designated evacuation centres on the mainland and islands, as well as alternate locations if required.

  • Council may open some Evacuation Centres during a disaster or emergency event.
  • Which centres are activated will depend on the type of emergency and the safest evacuation routes available at the time.
  • Do not go to an evacuation centre unless it is announced it is open.
  • Make separate arrangements for pets, as centres may not be able to accept them.
  • If you attend an evacuation centre, take your Emergency Kit, medications and prescriptions and any essential items.

Council will announce activation of local Evacuation Centres on the Disaster Dashboard.

Open Evacuation Centres

 Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) – last resort in a bushfire

A Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP) is an unstaffed, local open space area where people may gather as a last resort during a bushfire.

  • NSPs provide some level of protection but cannot guarantee safety
  • Risks remain when travelling to or sheltering at a NSP
  • For locations and safety guidance, refer to the Queensland Fire Department’s Neighbourhood Safer Places and bushfires guidance and ensure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan.

Related information

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