What’s Happening?
NRMA Insurance and Australian Red Cross will host a free EmergencyRedi™ workshop for Redlands residents this week.
The Cleveland session runs on Friday, 18 September 2026, from 1pm to 2.30pm. It will be held at Donald Simpson Community Centre, 172 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.
Participants will learn about local weather risks and receive practical support for emergency preparation. Residents can register for the Cleveland workshop online.
Organisers say an unprecedented El Niño cycle could bring above-average temperatures and prolonged dry spells. Elevated bushfire danger is also forecast across many parts of Australia.
Why It Matters
The forecast conditions could create a challenging spring and summer for households and communities. However, many Australians remain unsure about preparing for extreme weather.
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Community Impact Jen Cobley said, “Our research shows close to 40% of Australians do not feel prepared to respond to extreme weather. Through these workshops we want to help Queensland residents better understand their local risks and provide the information and tools to get prepared.”
Ms Cobley added, “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.”
Local Impact
Three Redlands suburbs were listed among Queensland’s ten most affected towns and suburbs over the five-year reporting period.
Capalaba ranked second with 434 wild weather claims. Redland Bay placed sixth with 293 claims, while Alexandra Hills ranked ninth with 282.
The local workshop will help residents create an award-winning Australian Red Cross Emergency RediPlan®.
Each plan includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, key documents and special items. Medical information and stress-management strategies can also be recorded. This keeps vital household information together in one emergency plan.
By the Numbers
- Nearly 300,000 wild weather claims were lodged across Australia during the past five years, according to NRMA Insurance.
- Queensland recorded 40,300 claims, including 31,534 severe weather home claims and 8,766 severe weather motor claims.
- Almost 1 in 3 Australians lack preparation knowledge, while 58% do not have an emergency plan.
Zoom In
The Cleveland workshop falls within Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi Week, which runs from 14 to 20 September 2026.
The annual campaign encourages people to turn awareness into action through simple household and community preparation.
EmergencyRedi™ workshops have already helped thousands of Australians understand local risks. Participants have also received knowledge and tools for future emergencies.
Australian Red Cross Director of Resilience and Recovery Nichola Krey said, “Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. The good news is that simple preparation can make a significant difference to how people respond and recover. EmergencyRedi Week is about giving people the knowledge, confidence and tools they need to prepare for the risks they face in their local communities.”
Zoom Out
NRMA Insurance data shows wild weather caused 59% of all Queensland home claims during the five-year reporting period.
- Storms accounted for 49% of wild weather claims, followed by hail at 23% and cyclones at 14%. Floods accounted for 7%, while lightning represented 3%.
- Summer produced 38% of claims, autumn 30%, spring 29% and winter 3%. Spring 2025 was the hardest-hit season, recording 7,483 claims.
- Queensland recorded 514 claims during summer 2025-26. This included 438 severe weather home claims and 76 motor claims.
Recent research also found growing concern among Queensland residents. Around 38% reported property or vehicle damage from severe weather during the past five years. Another 69% worried that storms, floods and bushfires were becoming more frequent and severe. Some 46% were more concerned about weather damaging their homes.
Wild weather affected daily life more for 42% of respondents. Another 41% were more likely to prepare following recent events. Around 46% of Queenslanders now have an emergency plan, compared with 37% five years ago.
Three other free Queensland workshops are being held during EmergencyRedi Week.
- The Gold Coast workshop runs on Tuesday, 15 September, from 1.30pm to 3pm. It will be held at Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, 20 Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes. Registrations are available online.
- The Logan workshop runs on Thursday, 17 September, from 10am to 11.30am. It will be held at Bethania Community Centre, 88-118 Station Road, Bethania. Registrations are available online.
- The Brisbane workshop runs on Thursday, 17 September, from 2pm to 3.30pm. It will be held at SANDBAG Community Centre, 153 Rainbow Street, Sandgate. Registrations are available online.
What To Look For Next?
Redlands residents can register before Friday’s Cleveland workshop and begin organising their household information.
Those attending can leave with a RediPlan covering their contacts, documents, animals and medical needs.
EmergencyRedi Week continues through 20 September. Further preparation information is available through NRMA Help Nation.
