Natural disasters can cause major disruptions to essential services like power, gas and water, and access to supermarkets and pharmacies for crucial supplies. Pulling together supplies and preparing your household emergency kit and evacuation kit now early is Step 3 to Get Ready.
Essential items to include in your emergency kit
If, as a result of a natural disaster, you are unable to leave your home for an extended period, due to an emergency such as a bushfire, storm, flood or a cyclone, your emergency kit contains a collection of essential items that will equip your household for at least three days of isolation.
For those that would like to take further steps to cover a wider range of scenarios for a longer period, you can add additional supplies to create a comprehensive kit to ensure you are extensively covered.
Your kit should be kept in a sturdy waterproof storage container and stored in a safe place in your home. Make sure that it is easy for all members of the household to access (except young children – make it childproof if necessary). Make a note of the emergency kit’s location on your household emergency and evacuation plan.
Toggle between the essential and comprehensive flatlays below, hover over the interactive dots or expand the checklists to find out what items to include.
Alternatively, you can find both pack lists (essential and comprehensive) in the Get Ready Queensland 3 steps to Get Ready booklet which is available to download.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each member of the household.
Pack enough face masks for each member of the household.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each member of the household.
Pack enough face masks for each member of the household.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each member of the household.
Pack enough face masks for each member of the household.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual and include a week’s supply of prescription and over the counter medication.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Your emergency kit should contain up to date copies of important documents. For example documents could include your driver licence, insurance policies (home, content, vehicles, life), passports, legal documents (property deed, wills etc.), birth and marriage certificates.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
Even if your home is not damaged in a disaster, electricity may not be available and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days.
Your pets have their own special needs that you should prepare and plan for as a responsible pet parent. For more detail check out the protect your pet page.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
A pair of study work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handling rubbish and debris.
Rubbish bags to clean up your backyard.
Protect your eyes from any flying debris that may occur when during cleaning up post weather event.
Use a whistle for attracting attention if you need assistance.
Wrench or pliers to turn off all utilities.
A tarpaulin and ropes can be used to cover any areas of your home that may have been damaged during severe weather. These should only be affixed once the weather system has passed and it is safe to do so.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
In addition to basic items make sure you include a warm jumper, waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and enclosed-toed shoes or boots for each household member.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Queensland Health recommends storing enough ready-to-drink formula for three days. Don’t forget to include a bottle! Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs. Ensure you check sizing of nappies packed in your kit periodically as infants may outgrow the nappies you have packed for them.
A utility knife is a useful tool during and after a disaster.
Blankets will keep you warm if you are exposed to the elements.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
Beds can become damaged or sodden during a weather event such as a cyclone, severe storm or flood. Camping mattresses and sleeping bags are easy to store with your kit.
Think about how you are going to cook or heat up meals if you are without power.
Think about including cooking equipment, the items you need to serve it up, eat it and store it.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual and include a week’s supply of prescription and over the counter medication.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Your emergency kit should contain up to date copies of important documents. For example documents could include your driver licence, insurance policies (home, content, vehicles, life), passports, legal documents (property deed, wills etc.), birth and marriage certificates.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
Even if your home is not damaged in a disaster, electricity may not be available and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days.
Your pets have their own special needs that you should prepare and plan for as a responsible pet parent. For more detail check out the protect your pet page.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
A pair of study work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handling rubbish and debris.
Rubbish bags to clean up your backyard.
Protect your eyes from any flying debris that may occur when during cleaning up post weather event.
Use a whistle for attracting attention if you need assistance.
Wrench or pliers to turn off all utilities.
A tarpaulin and ropes can be used to cover any areas of your home that may have been damaged during severe weather. These should only be affixed once the weather system has passed and it is safe to do so.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
In addition to basic items make sure you include a warm jumper, waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and enclosed-toed shoes or boots for each household member.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Queensland Health recommends storing enough ready-to-drink formula for three days. Don’t forget to include a bottle! Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs. Ensure you check sizing of nappies packed in your kit periodically as infants may outgrow the nappies you have packed for them.
A utility knife is a useful tool during and after a disaster.
Blankets will keep you warm if you are exposed to the elements.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
Beds can become damaged or sodden during a weather event such as a cyclone, severe storm or flood. Camping mattresses and sleeping bags are easy to store with your kit.
Think about how you are going to cook or heat up meals if you are without power.
Think about including cooking equipment, the items you need to serve it up, eat it and store it.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual and include a week’s supply of prescription and over the counter medication.
Include toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
Your emergency kit should contain up to date copies of important documents. For example documents could include your driver licence, insurance policies (home, content, vehicles, life), passports, legal documents (property deed, wills etc.), birth and marriage certificates.
Pack 10 litres of drinking water per person at a minimum.
Make a three-day menu plan for your household and store a supply of non-perishable food in your kit.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Scan and save important documents, contact, emails and photos to a USB and keep it in your emergency kit.
Even if your home is not damaged in a disaster, electricity may not be available and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days.
Your pets have their own special needs that you should prepare and plan for as a responsible pet parent. For more detail check out the protect your pet page.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
A pair of study work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handling rubbish and debris.
Rubbish bags to clean up your backyard.
Protect your eyes from any flying debris that may occur when during cleaning up post weather event.
Use a whistle for attracting attention if you need assistance.
Wrench or pliers to turn off all utilities.
A tarpaulin and ropes can be used to cover any areas of your home that may have been damaged during severe weather. These should only be affixed once the weather system has passed and it is safe to do so.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
In addition to basic items make sure you include a warm jumper, waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and enclosed-toed shoes or boots for each household member.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Queensland Health recommends storing enough ready-to-drink formula for three days. Don’t forget to include a bottle! Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs. Ensure you check sizing of nappies packed in your kit periodically as infants may outgrow the nappies you have packed for them.
A utility knife is a useful tool during and after a disaster.
Blankets will keep you warm if you are exposed to the elements.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
Beds can become damaged or sodden during a weather event such as a cyclone, severe storm or flood. Camping mattresses and sleeping bags are easy to store with your kit.
Think about how you are going to cook or heat up meals if you are without power.
Think about including cooking equipment, the items you need to serve it up, eat it and store it.
Pack enough tissues for each household member.
Pack enough wipes for each household member.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
Emergency Kit List
There may also be times during an emergency where it becomes unsafe for your household to stay at home and you need to evacuate.
In addition to your emergency kit you need to pack an evacuation kit – one for each member of the household.
The evacuation kit is a much smaller kit designed to contain only essential items for each household member that they can easily and quickly ‘grab and go’.
Packed in a bag such as a backpack or duffle bag, this kit will ensure you have what you need if you are staying with friends or family members outside of the disaster zone, or at an emergency evacuation centre, where basic bedding, food and cooking equipment are provided.
Make a note of the evacuation kits' location on your household emergency and evacuation plan which ideally is in the same place as your emergency kit.
Hover over the interactive dots below or expand the checklist to find out what you should include.
This pack list is also included in the Get Ready Queensland 3 steps to Get Ready booklet which is available to download.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Non-perishable snacks like muesli bars and packet snacks will curb hunger until you reach your evacuation point.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
Add toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack tissues for each household member.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Pack enough drinking water for each household member for 3 days.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs.
Multiple changes of clothes for each household member (long pants, longsleeved shirts, hats and strong shoes are recommended).
Pillows and sleeping bags for each household member.
Place a reminder on your evacuation checklist to grab valuables, photos (prints, CDs, USB data stick) and small mementos – make a list of the specifics of what to grab as it may be hard to think clearly at the time of evacuation.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack some books and games that do not require electricity to help entertain the kids whilst evacuated.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Non-perishable snacks like muesli bars and packet snacks will curb hunger until you reach your evacuation point.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
Add toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack tissues for each household member.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Pack enough drinking water for each household member for 3 days.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs.
Multiple changes of clothes for each household member (long pants, longsleeved shirts, hats and strong shoes are recommended).
Pillows and sleeping bags for each household member.
Place a reminder on your evacuation checklist to grab valuables, photos (prints, CDs, USB data stick) and small mementos – make a list of the specifics of what to grab as it may be hard to think clearly at the time of evacuation.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack some books and games that do not require electricity to help entertain the kids whilst evacuated.
A properly equipped first aid kit can save lives. Make sure you include a first aid manual.
Your evacuation kit should contain up to date copies of the same important documents in your emergency kit.
A pair of sturdy work gloves will help prevent injury and infection when needing to handle rubbish and debris.
Include any prescribed medication or aids required by household members such as prescription glasses, medic-alert bracelet or necklace (keep a spare in your kit), dosage measures (syringes, measuring cups), Epipen or batteries for hearing aids.
Electricity may not be available where you are headed to and you could be left in the dark for quite a while so include a torch (or two) or a battery powered lantern.
Non-perishable snacks like muesli bars and packet snacks will curb hunger until you reach your evacuation point.
Make sure you have enough spare batteries to last three days. Ensure you have packed the correct battery type and quantities required for your torch, radio, kid’s toys that are packed and other included electricals.
Pack enough hand sanitiser for each household member.
Add toiletries you will need for three days such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Although most tins have a ring pull, there are still quite a few for which you will need a can opener.
A battery powered radio is one of the most reliable items in a disaster especially during power and internet loss.
Pack tissues for each household member.
You mobile phone is key to keeping connected during a disaster. Extend the life of your phone by ensuring you have a spare phone charger packed as well as a fully charged portable battery or power pack.
Pack enough drinking water for each household member for 3 days.
Pack a small amount of cash (notes and coins) in case ATMs are inaccessible or not working due to power failure.
For formula- fed babies check the use-by date on any formula and use it before it expires, replacing the one in your kit. Also include enough nappies and wipes for three days based on your baby’s needs.
Multiple changes of clothes for each household member (long pants, longsleeved shirts, hats and strong shoes are recommended).
Pillows and sleeping bags for each household member.
Place a reminder on your evacuation checklist to grab valuables, photos (prints, CDs, USB data stick) and small mementos – make a list of the specifics of what to grab as it may be hard to think clearly at the time of evacuation.
Pack enough face masks for each household member.
Pack some books and games that do not require electricity to help entertain the kids whilst evacuated.
