'I work in disaster relief. Here are 5 things you can actually do to help when a crisis hits.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Pine O Cleen

Australia is no stranger to natural disasters. We've seen bushfires tear through communities, floods destroy family homes and cyclones batter coastal towns.

And when disaster strikes, our instinct is to help. There's something in us that wants to show up and support those doing it tough.

But knowing how to help can feel overwhelming. We want to do our bit — we just don't always know where to begin. That's where the right guidance makes all the difference.

We spoke to Nichola Krey, Director of Emergency Services Resilience and Recovery at Australian Red Cross, to find out exactly how we can help when disaster strikes.

Start with financial donations.

While your instinct might be to rush to donate clothes and food, it's actually not the best first approach.

"It's well-intentioned, but it can overwhelm local services… they have to store them, sort them and distribute them," Nichola said. "It slows down the response."

Cash donations are the most effective way to support disaster relief efforts.

"They allow us to act really quickly and get communities exactly what they need," Nichola said. "Every community is different."

One way to support is through the Cleen Up Program, a partnership between iconic Australian disinfectant brand Pine O Cleen and Australian Red Cross, providing essential hygiene products and financial support to disaster-affected communities.

Now in its third year, the partnership supports Australians before, during and after emergencies to help clean up their communities. 

Between now and July 29, 2025, every Pine O Cleen product you purchase at Coles will contribute to a total donation of up to $100,000 for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund — meaning your regular cleaning shop directly supports disaster relief efforts.

The Cleen Up Program most recently supported those affected by Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and Northern NSW and continues to assist impacted communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Product donations, such as hygiene products, are essential in the clean-up process. Nichola said the continued support from Pine O Cleen helps maintain community hygiene for the organisations involved in the response and recovery efforts.

Provide emotional support.

Immediately after a disaster, people need shelter, food and water. But beyond that, Nichola highlighted four key things: safety, information, connection and a sense of calm.

One way you can help is by offering emotional support. This can be as simple as checking in on friends, family and neighbours. Offer a listening ear and let them know you're there if they need. Reassure them that how they're feeling is okay.

Australian Red Cross goes the extra mile through psychological first aid — a supportive response focused on safety and connectedness offered to someone affected by disaster.

"It's a simple but effective way of helping people feel safe and in control again," Nichola said. "It can take many years after a disaster to heal. If you receive psychological first aid, it can speed up that recovery."

"By providing that psychological first aid, to say, 'You're okay, you're safe', then we assess what their needs are. Once they feel safe and calm, then we can direct them to the right services for food, shelter and water." 

Volunteer your time.

If financial contributions aren't within your ability, Nichola suggested becoming a volunteer.

Sign up before a disaster so you're trained up and ready to go by the time the next one hits.

"Australian Red Cross offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities — from door knocking and checking in on people to helping out in evacuation centres," Nichola said.

"It doesn't have to be a big contribution of your time. We have so many ways to contribute, no matter your skills."

"We cannot do our work without our volunteers."

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Help with recovery efforts.

If there's a disaster in your area, you can get on the ground and help with clean-up efforts. Offer to help clear debris or assist with repairs where possible.

Beyond physical clean-up, consider supporting local businesses by shopping locally, attending community events to boost morale and offering specific skills.

Be prepared.

If you're not directly affected by the crisis, Nichola recommended speaking to your little ones about preparing for disasters. Let them know it's okay to be scared or anxious, but reassure them they're safe.

"Build confidence, not a fear of disasters," Nichola said. 

"If you're watching someone else be impacted, check on your own preparedness and what you would do in the case of a disaster." 

Develop an emergency plan and emergency kit with essential supplies like food, water and first aid.

By taking these steps, you're not just protecting your own family, you're contributing to a more resilient community that can better support each other when disasters strikes.

To learn more about how you can help, visit Pine O Cleen's website.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Feature Image: Instagram/@redcrossau.

For every Pine O Cleen product purchased at Coles between 2 July and 29 July, customers will help Australian Red Cross to support communities impacted by disaster and other emergencies in Australia, contributing towards a donation of up to $100,000*.
*$0.20c from every Pine O Cleen product purchased at Coles between 2/7/25 - 29/7/25 helps donate up to $100,000 to Australian Red Cross Society (ABN 50 169 561 394). Donation to be made in December 2025. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.