SOURCE: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/emergency-kit FETCHED: 2026-11-03 16:00 AEDT - - Put together an emergency kit | NSW SES - - - - - - - - - - - Skip to main content Show us how you prepare for storm season by entering our Stay Ahead of the Storm Challenge , with some great prizes up for grabs! Global Alert This is a Test Global Alert (Critical) Setup for visitors in any emergency Location. Create your emergency Plan close Close this alert Automatic language translation Our website uses an automatic service to translate our content into different languages. These translations should be used as a guide only. We may choose to keep content in English if we are not sure the translation will be accurate. For professionally translated planning, response and recovery information, visit our 'In your language' page. View ‘In your language’ resources close Close message # Put together an emergency kit Every home should have an emergency kit in case you need to leave quickly, or if there is no electricity or running water. A waterproof bag or plastic storage container is recommended. Everyone in the household should know where to find the kit if they are home alone. Listen On this page - Items to pack now - Just before leaving, add these items to your kit ## Items to pack now The items on this list are suggestions for people living in various situations. Choose items that meet the needs of your individual household and aim to pack as little as possible at the last minute. ### Food, water and essentials - Your Emergency Plans, including plans for pets/ animals - Emergency contact list - Radio (battery powered or hand cranked) – with spare batteries - First aid kit - Non-perishable food & water (including a can opener) ### Important documents - Photo ID - Proof of address e.g. utility bill - Insurance documents - Rental lease and landlord contact details - Passport, birth and marriage certificates - Will - Scan and save digital copies to the Cloud and/or USB ### Items to help you get away quickly - Cash (ATMs & EFTPOS may not work) - Maps (to navigate road closures) - Spare keys (home and car) - At least ¼ tank fuel ### Personal items - Toiletries – soap, toothbrush & paste, toilet paper, sanitary items, sunscreen etc. - Suitable clothing & footwear - Spare underwear - Protective equipment (thick gloves, face masks & safety glasses) - Whistle (for signaling for help) - Sleeping bags or blankets - Short list of personal valuables to pack last minute (when it’s a struggle to think) ### In case of power outage - Torch – with spare batteries - Candles & waterproof matches ### Health and wellbeing - Medical and ID bracelets for health conditions and/or people living with dementia - Sensory items – noise-cancelling headphones & tactile items - Communication tools & boards - Kids toys & games- a comfort toy, emergency themed picture books and figurines for role play are helpful - Items to support wellbeing for adults like walking shoes, crosswords, tennis ball etc. - Spare mobile phone headphones/ ear buds. - Eye mask ### Pet supplies - Proof of ownership - Microchip details - A photo of your pet - Pet food and water - Bowl, lead & accessories* * Refer to the NSW SES website for a checklist of items for pets. Download the NSW SES Emergency kit checklist download ### Make an emergency plan Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool . ## Just before leaving, add these items to your kit - Phones, laptops and devices - Chargers, power banks & external storage drives - Medications for 5 days and prescriptions.** - A small esky and ice bricks for medications that need to be kept cool. (Wrap the meds to prevent direct contact with the ice) - Medicare card - Medical equipment & mobility aids - Baby supplies - formula, nappies & wipes - Personal valuables - Perishable food **Talk to your pharmacist about eScripts.