SOURCE: https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/prepare/packing/
FETCHED: 2026-11-03 16:00 AEDT

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 Prepare for emergencies: get packing | Australian Red Cross 

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# Step 4: Get packing 

##### Use our checklists to create Survive and Recover kits ahead of time and help to reduce stress in a disaster.

### Pack a survival kit 
 In an emergency, you often don’t have time to think, let alone pack. By packing a survival kit in advance, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress.

### Packing checklist

- Food and water 

- Warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes 

- Sunscreen and sun protection 

- Torch and batteries 

- Mobile phone 

- Device chargers and battery packs 

- Battery or wind-up radio 

- Medication and prescriptions 

- First aid kit 

- Pet essentials 

- Baby essentials (wipes, toys, nappies, blankets, a baby sling, medication, formula) 

- Activities for children (e.g. cards) 

- Cash 

### Download our Get Packing checklist
 Build your survival kit with our handy emergency checklist

 Download 
 Get Packing emergency kit checklist (PDF - 0.11 Mb) 
 A printable pdf checklist with extra tips and instructions.

### Pack a recovery kit 
 Identify and pack things that will help you re-establish your life if you lose everything. Copies of important documents to help identify yourself and personal items that hold special meaning to you and your loved ones.

### Recovery checklist

- Copy of passports and other ID documents 

- Copy of birth and marriage certificates 

- Copy of important ownership documents, e.g. property, car 

- Copy of insurance documents 

- Copy of wills 

- Copy of important prescriptions 

- List of important numbers, e.g. family members, friends, workplaces 

- Small items of sentimental value 

- Copies or photos of larger items of sentimental value 

- Access details for bank accounts, superannuation and others 

### Just in time: Imminent Disaster Emergency Ready resource
 Prepare for an imminent disaster threatening your household or community.

 Download 
 Just in Time imminent disaster emergency ready resource (PDF - 0.24 Mb) 
 A printable pdf checklist with extra tips and instructions.

### Take another step

#### Get in the know
 Understand local risks, manage stress, and know where to get information and help.

#### Get connected
 Build a support network, plan with your household, and choose safe meeting places.

#### Get organised
 Prepare important documents, check insurance, and plan for pets, children, and sentimental items.

##### Create your Emergency Plan with our template

 Download 

##### Keep your plan close with our Get Prepared app

 Learn more 

##### Build a survival kit with our checklist

 Download 

# One step ahead

##### Help communities be prepared before disaster strikes.
 Donate now 

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