Life in danger: 000. Flood, storm or tsunami help: NSW SES 132 500. Source: NSW SES checklist
Every home should have an emergency kit in case you need to leave quickly, or if there is no electricity or running water. Use a waterproof bag or plastic storage container. Everyone in the household should know where it is. Source: NSW SES, Emergency kit
Warning levels
The Australian Warning System has three levels:
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow Advice | Heightened threat. Stay up to date as the situation changes. |
| Orange Watch and Act | Conditions are changing. Start taking action now to protect you and your family. (NSW SES issues no Watch and Act for tsunami.) |
| Red Emergency Warning | Highest level. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. |
Make a plan
1. Know your risks and your mind
Local risks to consider: fire, flood, heatwave, cyclone, storm, public disturbance, power outage, medical.
Managing stress:
- Anticipate what might stress you (for example being separated from family, the noise of the wind). Write it down.
- Identify how you might react (for example going quiet, a racing heart). Write it down.
- Plan how to manage it: deep breathing, calming words such as “I can do this”.
Information: the ABC is the official emergency broadcaster. Find your local radio frequency ahead of time (radio list). Source: Red Cross, Get in the know
2. Get connected
Three people you know and trust: someone you can talk to, someone nearby who can help, and someone physically able to lend a hand. Let them know you may call on them.
Write down important numbers (loved ones and neighbours, services you use regularly, services you might need after an emergency) and keep them somewhere secure. Have a back-up in case networks are down or your phone battery runs out.
Choose three meeting places:
- One outside your house, for example the letterbox.
- One outside your neighbourhood, in case you can't get home.
- A third where you can stay overnight.
3. Get organised
- Keep copies of key documents in one place outside your home: ID and visa documents, birth and marriage certificates, ownership documents, insurance, ongoing prescriptions.
- Check insurance: health (including pets), home and contents, income protection and business.
- Babies and young children: evacuation centres may not meet their needs. Pack formula, sterilised bottles and clean water for a few days, suitable food and medication, and books, toys and games.
- Sentimental items: ask each person to identify theirs, know where they are, keep a box or bag for small items, and photograph or copy the rest.
4. Get packing
Pack a survival kit and a recovery kit in advance. In an emergency you often don't have time to think, let alone pack. Source: Red Cross, Get packing
NSW SES also has a step-by-step plan template: the Emergency Planning Tool (online or print a blank template). Source: NSW SES Emergency Planning Tool
Emergency kit: pack now
Suggestions only. Choose what suits your household and leave as little as possible to the last minute. Source: NSW SES, Emergency kit
Food, water and essentials
- Your emergency plans, including for pets and animals
- Emergency contact list
- Radio (battery or hand-crank) with spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable food and water, and a can opener
Important documents
- Photo ID
- Proof of address, for example a utility bill
- Insurance documents
- Rental lease and landlord contact details
- Passport, birth and marriage certificates
- Will
- Digital copies on a USB drive or in the cloud
To get away quickly
- Cash (ATMs and EFTPOS may not work)
- Maps, to navigate road closures
- Spare keys (home and car)
- At least ¼ tank of fuel
Personal items
- Toiletries: soap, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, sanitary items, sunscreen
- Suitable clothing and footwear, spare underwear
- Protective equipment: thick gloves, face masks, safety glasses
- Whistle, to signal for help
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- A short list of valuables to grab at the last minute (when it's hard to think)
Power outage
- Torch with spare batteries
- Candles and waterproof matches
Health and wellbeing
- Medical and ID bracelets for health conditions or dementia
- Sensory items: noise-cancelling headphones, tactile items
- Communication tools and boards
- Children's toys and games, a comfort toy
- Things for adults' wellbeing: walking shoes, crosswords, a tennis ball
- Spare headphones or earbuds, eye mask
Pets
- Proof of ownership and microchip details
- A photo of your pet
- Pet food and water
- Bowl, lead and accessories
Printable: NSW SES Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF, offline copy). Source: NSW SES checklist
Add just before leaving
- Phones, laptops and devices
- Chargers, power banks, external drives
- Medications for 5 days and prescriptions
- A small esky and ice bricks for medicines that must stay cool (wrap them so they don't touch the ice)
- Medicare card
- Medical equipment and mobility aids
- Baby supplies: formula, nappies, wipes
- Personal valuables
- Perishable food
Talk to your pharmacist about eScripts. Source: NSW SES, Emergency kit
Recovery kit
Things that help you re-establish your life if you lose everything. Source: Red Cross, Get packing
- Copies of passports and other ID
- Copies of birth and marriage certificates
- Copies of ownership documents (property, car)
- Copies of insurance documents and wills
- Copies of important prescriptions
- List of important numbers: family, friends, workplaces
- Small items of sentimental value, and photos of larger ones
- Access details for bank accounts, superannuation and others