The needs of people with diabetes and other chronic conditions in natural disasters: a guide for emergency services, local councils and the not-for-profit sector

This guide aims to support and educate relevant authorities such as emergency services, local councils and the not-for-profit sector involved in emergency management, and support groups. The intent of the guide is to reduce morbidity and mortality of those with diabetes and other chronic conditions in natural disasters and emergencies, and, at the same time, minimise the strain on hospital resources.

The target audience for this guide is those organisations and personnel who deal with natural disasters and emergencies during the planning stages such as local disaster management groups (local council) as well as those who deal with ‘on-the-ground’ situations after a natural disaster has occurred, such as those managing evacuation centres.

This guide focuses on diabetes, however it also considers disaster management and the needs of people with chronic conditions more generally, as many people with diabetes have other co-existing chronic conditions.