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.
How to prepare an 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.
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What to pack in your emergency kit
To keep safe and informed
- 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
In case you can't return home immediately
- Manual can opener, cutlery, plates
- Cooking equipment, in case you are unable to return home (for example, a portable stove, fuel, pots, pans)
- Detergent and chlorine bleach, to sterilise cooking equipment and other items that get dirty
- Candles with waterproof matches
- Woollen blankets
- Emergency contact numbers
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Important documents
- Use this checklist to Prepare your documents so you can access them quickly.
Sentimental items
- You might also wish to make a list of sentimental items to take with you. Make a map of where they are kept, make copies or take photos.
What to pack for when you return home
Pack as many of these things as possible so that you have them handy after an event.
- Protective clothing, sunscreen and hat
- Sturdy footwear
- Disposable and heavy-duty work gloves
- Disposable coveralls (with long sleeves and trousers)
- P2/N95 face masks