Emergency checklist

Emergency kit 

An emergency kit is an important step to ensure you, and your family are prepared for unexpected events such as cyclones, flooding and severe storms. You can create your emergency kit at any time and store it somewhere safe and accessible, so you have the things you need during and after severe weather events. 

Checklist

Download our emergency checklist for a list of items to have in your kit.

Below is a checklist of recommended items to have in your kit. Some should be stored in a safe place in a waterproof box or bag.

Remember, medicines with short shelf life or requiring chilling will need to be ready to add when warnings are issued for your area.  

• Water for three days - 10 litres of drinking water for each person in your home.  
  
  
• Non-perishable food for three days, including baby supplies (formulas and a bottle, food, nappies and wipes).  
  
  
• First aid items including essential medication (include a week’s supply of prescription and over the counter medication), disposable gloves, spare glasses and hearing aid batteries. 
  
  
• Essential toiletries - toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen, insect repellent, tissues, face masks and hand sanitiser.  
  
  
• Mobile phone, chargers and powered battery banks.  
  
  
• Torch (flashlight), headlamp or battery powered lantern for each person in your home, with spare batteries for at least three days. 
  
  
• Spare clothes - clean underwear, change of clothes, waterproof jackets and sun hats for all the family.  
  
  
• Bedding - sleeping bags or warm blankets, camping mattress.
   
• Cooking and kitchen equipment - pans, plates, cups, cutlery, cooking knife, zip bags, plastic containers and can opener.  
  
  
• Pet supplies - dry food, water, feeding bowls, crates or bedding, essential medication, leash and toys.  
  
  
• Important documents - paper copies or scans saved to a USB. Drivers licence, ID cards, insurance policies documents (home, contents, vehicles, life, pet), passports, legal documents (property deed, wills etc.), birth and marriage certificates. 
  
  
• Cooking items - a small gas stove and items like plastic plates and cutlery.
  
  
• Things to keep you and your family entertained and comfortable - books, colouring in, pack of cards, glow sticks, special toys or blankets etc. 
  
  
• Battery powered radio - with spare batteries for at least three days use.  
  
  
• Small toolkit - wrench, pliers, screwdriver, safety knife, ropes, tarpaulin, rubber gloves, rubbish bags. 
  
  
• Spare cash - in case payment at ATMs or the internet isn’t working.  

Review contents of your kit at least twice a year.

Keep in mind changes in family circumstances, such as the change in children’s ages, new pets etc.