Planning and emergency kits

Emergencies happen - plan ahead

If you are in immediate danger, call 000

Emergencies are not always roaring bushfires, devastating floods or global pandemics such as COVID-19. An emergency could also be a house fire, your roof being damaged in a storm or a pipe bursting and flooding your home.

Emergencies can strike at any time – and they can damage and sometimes destroy homes. Emergencies can often have negative effects on health, upset routines, and in many cases can lead to significant financial issues.

While emergency services do all they can to help, the person most responsible for your wellbeing before, during and after an emergency is you. The people most likely to help you will be those that you know – your family, friends, neighbours and co-workers.

Here are some ways you can help you and your loved ones be more prepared in case of an emergency.

Emergency kits

An emergency kit can be as simple or as complex as you desire, from basic essentials to water purification tablets – it’s up to you. What’s important is that you have one. Remember to factor in the needs of everyone in your household, including your pets.

There a two types of emergency kits – the ‘Grab and Go’ kit and the ‘Stay at Home’ kit. Here are some basics you might like to include.

Basic 'Grab and Go' Emergency Kit

First-aid kit
Waterproof torch or headlamp
Battery-operated portable radio
Spare batteries for radio and torches
A whistle - in case you need to attract attention or call for help
Cash (in case ATMs and banks aren't operating)
Food that won't go off (tinned food, energy bars etc)
Basic toiletries
A change of clothes
A list of emergency numbers
Your emergency plan (including key information and numbers)
A check list of other items to bring if evacuating (see below)

Download an emergency plan from Australian Red Cross

At the time of evacuation - if you have time to safely do so - you could add:

Medications and medical equipment
Important family records (such as birth certificates, insurance and bank details)
Mobile phone and charger
Extra car and house keys
Special requirements for infants, elderly, injured, people living with disability or pets
Change of clothes and shoes for everyone
Sturdy gloves
Sleeping bags
Sentimental items

Basic 'Stay at Home' items

Enough food for 2 weeks
Non-perishable food to last for up to four days
Water to last for up to four days (*At least three litres of water per person per day)
14 days’ worth of medications
Cash (in case ATMs and banks aren't operating)

(*Check and replace non-perishable food and water every 12 months)

Plan ahead for any additional help you may need

If you have mobility issues or are living with disability and might find it difficult to prepare your property for an emergency or an evacuation, you might like to plan ahead to get the help you need:

Work out your needs, limitations and capabilities realistically and honestly and make a list, including details of any special dietary, medical needs and your doctor’s contact details
Give a copy to a family member, friend or neighbour who could physically help if required and which could be readily available to emergency workers
Keep your medications, duplicate prescriptions and other medical needs handy
Keep your mobility items close at hand

If you voluntarily evacuate, tell a family member, friend, doctor or emergency worker where you are going, what time you expect to leave your home and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.