Prepare your emergency survival kit
An emergency kit should be put together before a disaster happens. It can save you valuable time, if you need to leave your home or defend your property, and can help you survive.
What to put in your emergency survival kit
Your emergency survival kit should include items that will help you survive in a bushfire emergency. That includes whether you're going to leave, or stay and defend your home. It should include supplies for several days.
Pack and check your kit before every storm and bushfire season.
Keep it in a sturdy, waterproof storage container and in a place where it will be easy to access when you're in a hurry.
Mark your kit clearly and put reflective tape on or around it so you can easily find it in the dark.
Set a quarterly reminder in your phone or calendar to check, review and rotate items in your emergency survival kit.
1
What to pack in your emergency kit
- Portable battery-operated radio
- Waterproof torch, head torch
- Spare batteries
- First aid kit with manual
- Face masks, P2/N95-rated face masks can filter out the fine particles in smoke
- Alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Manual can opener, cutlery, plates
- Cooking equipment (e.g. portable stove, fuel, pots, pans)
- Detergent and chlorine bleach
- Candles with waterproof matches
- Woollen blankets
- Emergency contact numbers
- Waterproof bag for valuables
2
What to pack before you evacuate
- Keys, cash, ATM cards, credit cards
- Medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies
- Prescriptions
- Essential items for infants, elderly, injured, people with disability
- Favourite toys of children
- Mobile phone, charger and power board
- Combination pocket knife
- Important documents, valuables and photos (in a waterproof bag)
- Clothes for everyone, including school uniforms
- Food (dried and long-life food) and drinking water (at least 3 litres per person, per day)
- Items for your pets (see Prepare your pets and livestock for more information)
3
What to pack for when you return home
- Protective clothing, sunscreen and hat
- Sturdy footwear
- Disposable and heavy-duty work gloves
- Disposable coveralls (with long sleeves and trousers)
- P2/N95 face masks
Important documents and sentimental items
Preparing important documents will make it easier to access them quickly if you need to evacuate. After an emergency, you may need to identify yourself, prove ownership of your assets, or provide details of your insurance cover.
Use this checklist to Prepare your documents.
You might also wish to make a list of sentimental items to take with you in case of an emergency. Make a list and a map of where they are kept, make copies or take photos.