It is vital you prepare an emergency kit before the cyclone / Flooding season arrives.
There are six types of basic supplies you need to include - water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and special items.
Your emergency kit should have:
Water
- Store water in clean and safe plastic containers.
- Each person will need a minimum of five litres of water per day to allow for drinking, food preparation and personal sanitation; ten litres would be preferable.
- Plan to have at least a three day supply of water for each member of the family.
- Fill an esky with ice.
Food
- Store at least three days supply of non-perishable foods.
- Choose foods that don't require refrigeration, can be eaten without preparation or cooking, require minimal water and have reasonable shelf life.
- Choose compact and light products just in case you need to evacuate.
- Ensure cooking facilities such as a gas BBQ, and gas/fuel/spirit camping stove are available for use.
Include the following foods in your kit:
- Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices, milk and soups.
- Staples such as sugar, pepper, salt and high energy foods such as peanut butter, honey, jams, biscuits and muesli bars
- Vitamins
- Food for babies, children, elderly persons or any special dietary requirements
- Comfort foods such as biscuits, lollies, cereals, milo, coffee and tea
First aid kit
Tools and supplies
- Plates, bowls, cups, knives and forks (paper or plastic plates and utensils do not require washing up)
- Battery operated radio and spare batteries or Wind up Radio
- Battery operated torches or Wind up torches
- Cash
- Non-electric can opener
- Utility knife
- Toilet paper/towlettes
- Soap/detergent
- Personal hygiene items
- Duct and masking tape
- Matches in waterproof container
- Disinfectant
- Mobile phone and charger or if available a Solar powered Phone Charger
- Insect repellant and sunscreen
- Pliers, screwdrivers, drills, wrenches, spanners, bolts, screws and nails for temporary repairs
- Ropes, chains and pickets for securing outdoors items such as boats and garden sheds
- Extension cords and power boards
- Non-electric clock
- Plastic sheeting or tarps
Clothing and bedding
- At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
- Long sleeve shirts and long trousers to provide protection
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hats and work/gardening gloves
- Head protection such as work helmets or bike helmets and goggles
- Sunglasses
Special items
- Baby needs such as nappies and bottles
- Medications
- Contact lenses or prescription glasses
- Important family documents in a waterproof container:
- Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports and immunisation records
- Bank account and credit card numbers
- Inventory of household contents
- Important telephone numbers and contact details
- Family records such as birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.
- Pet food and supplies
- Entertainment for the family such as games, books and puzzles.
Important notes
- Store your emergency kit in a convenient place known to all of the family.
- Keep items in airtight, waterproof containers.
- Update your kit regularly, at least at the beginning of the cyclone season in November.
- Check and replace batteries regularly.
