Picture this: You’re at home with the family, several days into heavy rain and storms, and the Bureau of Meteorology has just upgraded the cyclone warning. Your local council says it’s time to evacuate. 

Next thing you have little kids wanting to bring their console setup/best friend/bike, your mum's asking where you put her blood pressure tablets, the dog is already stress-panting, and your teenager is insisting they'll "just stay home, it'll be fine." 

Welcome to your multi-generational household evacuation, nobody said this would be easy!

Thousands of Queensland families work with this sort of complexity every storm season The difference between chaos and calm is a clear plan that works for your household, not a generic checklist that assumes everyone is well-behaved and on the same page. 

Let's walk through the essentials of getting your whole crew – from toddlers to grandparents, and even that anxious fur-child – ready to evacuate safely.

Step 1: Know your risks

Before you can plan effectively, it’s important to understand what disasters could affect your household. Queensland experiences more natural disasters than anywhere else in Australia. Floods, storms, cyclones, storm surge, bushfires, and heatwaves are all part of living here.
Everyone's disaster risk is different. Your risks depend on where you live, work, and spend time. Find out what disasters could affect your area so you can plan accordingly.

Quick ways to check your risks:

Once you know your risks, sit down with everyone in your household to talk about what you've learned and what it means for your family's planning.

Step 2: Make your household emergency plan

The family planning session

October marks the start of Queensland's severe weather season, which makes September the perfect time for your household planning session. The second-best time? Right now. NOT during a cyclone warning when everyone's already stressed – now, when you can think clearly and make good decisions together.

The Get Ready Queensland Household Severe Weather Emergency Plan takes just a few minutes to complete online. It asks the questions you need to answer together: Where will we go? How will we get there? What if we're not all home when evacuation is called? Who's responsible for what?

Once you've completed it, you can download a PDF to save, print and share with family or friends.

The "everyone has a job" approach

Giving everyone age-appropriate responsibilities makes them part of the team, so they don't just feel like passengers being shuffled around.

For younger children (5-10 years): They can check the torch batteries work, help pack snacks into the emergency kit, or be responsible for their own small backpack with comfort items.

For teenagers: Real responsibilities! They're capable of checking that grandma's medications are packed, loading the car, keeping track of pets, or being the family communications person who updates relatives.

For grandparents: Involve older family members in the planning process from the start. Ask about their needs, their concerns, what would make evacuation easier for them. It's about respecting their independence while ensuring their safety.

For pet responsibilities: Assign one person as primary pet manager (with a backup). They're responsible for securing pets early, having carriers ready and ensuring leads, food and toys are accessible.

Deciding where you'll go if you need to evacuate

"We'll figure it out on the day" isn't a plan – it's a recipe for last-minute panic when emotions are high and accommodation could already be scarce. 

Think about these questions:

  • Where will you go if you need to evacuate? Ask family and friends if they have space to house your whole household – including pets
  • How will you get away? Plan alternative routes in case roads are closed
  • Are you ready to evacuate if you're not home? Think about where you spend time (work, school) and plan to evacuate from there too
  • How much can you pack? Consider what you can realistically fit in your car
     

Your first option should always be family or friends in safer locations. Have this conversation now: "Can we stay with you if we need to evacuate? We'd have the kids, mum, and the dog." Get a clear yes or no, not a vague "probably."

If family isn't an option, identify pet-friendly accommodation outside evacuation zones now. Some Queensland evacuation centres accept pets, others don't. Research your local council's evacuation centres and pet policies before you need them. 

Your backup plan matters as much as – if not more than – your Plan A. What if the roads to your first choice are cut? What if that evacuation centre reaches capacity?

Review your plan regularly

Review your plan at least once a year. The start of each storm season is ideal. Kids grow and move schools, medications change, pets age, grandparents' needs evolve. Your plan needs to keep pace with your household. It's also important to update your plan if you move houses.
Make plans for your animals too:

Step 3: Pack your emergency kit

Why one kit doesn't cut it

Queensland's extreme weather can cause your home to lose power, water and gas. You might not be able to get to a supermarket or pharmacy for supplies. Your household needs supplies to last at least three days – more if you’re in a rural or remote area – and when you're managing multiple generations and pets, that can be a complex operation.

It’s helpful to have a strategy that acknowledges everyone's differences: personal kits for each person's specific needs, plus shared household supplies that everyone uses.

Download the Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF, 112KB) for detailed packing lists, or read on for multi-generational household specifics.

Kids' essentials by age

Babies and toddlers (0-4 years): At least three days' worth of nappies, formula, baby food, bottles, teething gel, nappy rash cream, preferred dummy or comfort blanket. Don't underestimate comfort items – that ratty teddy might seem unimportant to you, but it can mean everything to a small child in an unfamiliar place.

Primary school age (5-12 years): Regular medications with clear dosing instructions, change of clothes, their own small torch, one special toy, age-appropriate activities that don't require power, snacks they actually like.

Teenagers (13-18 years): Medications, toiletries, phone charger and power bank, headphones, change of clothes, something to do that doesn't drain their phone battery, cash. 

The comfort item rule: Each child gets to choose one special item that helps them feel safe. Having familiar comfort objects significantly reduces children's anxiety during evacuation and displacement – and there's no upper age limit.

Grandparents' essentials

Medications and medical equipment: At least three days' worth of all prescription medications in their original containers with clear instructions. Include equipment like CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, nebulisers, blood glucose monitors with spare batteries or charging capabilities. Include a written list of all medications, dosages, prescribing doctors, medical alert information and Medicare details.

Mobility and independence aids: Walking frames, wheelchairs, walking sticks, spare glasses, hearing aids and spare batteries – whatever they use daily to maintain independence and dignity.
Important documents: Medicare card, pension card, identification, insurance details, medical records, emergency contacts in a waterproof sleeve.

Personal comfort items: Favourite cardigan, slippers, their own pillow, photographs – what makes an evacuation centre or relative's house feel more bearable.

Pet emergency kit

Planning ahead before severe weather strikes will save you valuable time, and could save the life of your pets. Get ready before the next disaster hits and pack a bag or box of necessities for your pet to last at least three days so you can act quickly during an emergency.

Food and water: At least three days' worth of your pet's regular food (sudden diet changes cause stress and stomach issues you don't need during evacuation). Bottled water, feeding bowls, and a can opener if you use tinned food.

Essential gear: Carriers or crates for transport (labelled with your contact details). Dogs need leads; pocket pets and birds need their enclosures with shelter coverage; livestock need halters if you're moving them. Collars with current ID tags and your mobile number.

Medical supplies: All current medications with clear dosing instructions, first aid supplies, medical records including vaccination certificates – some evacuation centres or boarding facilities require proof of vaccination.

Critical identification: Recent photos of you with each pet on your phone – these prove ownership and are vital if pets go missing. Current vaccination, registration paperwork. Keep microchip registration up to date with your mobile number.

Hygiene supplies: For cats: litter tray, litter, waste bags. For dogs: waste bags, cleaning products. For birds and pocket pets: extra bedding or nesting material.
Comfort items: Favourite toys, familiar blankets or bedding – familiar smells genuinely help pets cope with evacuation stress.

Important contacts: Written list including your regular vet, emergency after-hours vet, local animal shelter, council animal management, alternative boarding facilities.

Insurance paperwork: If you have pet insurance, keep policy information and claim forms in your emergency kit.

Evidence for assistance animals: If your pet is a registered assistance animal, pack evidence of their training and certification for accessing public areas.

Visit Protect Your Pet for detailed pet evacuation planning, including the downloadable Pet Severe Weather Emergency Plan and helpful videos from RSPCA Queensland.

The two-kit strategy

Store your emergency kit in a strong waterproof storage container in a safe place you can access easily (but away from young children). During severe weather, make sure you have your kit on hand so you can take it with you if needed.

Kit 1 – The "grab and go" evacuation bag: Lives by your front door with absolute essentials you need to leave in under five minutes: medications, important documents, phone chargers, immediate needs for babies, pet essentials, battery-powered radio, torch, copies of important documents.

Kit 2 – The "car kit": Lives in your car during storm season (November to April) with three-day supplies: extra clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food, water, first aid kit, activities for kids, bedding.
This system means you're not trying to pack everything in a panic. The essentials are ready; the extras are already loaded.

When it's time to go – getting everyone out safely

Your evacuation timeline

For a multi-generational household with pets, allow at least two hours from "we're leaving" to being on the road. Grandma needs to gather medications systematically. Your six-year-old suddenly can't find his special dinosaur. The cat's hiding under the bed.

When you hear evacuation advice for your area, start your preparation process immediately. Traffic increases as more people evacuate, roads can flood quickly, and evacuation centres fill up.
For households with members who need extra time or assistance, evacuating early is essential, not optional.

Managing kids during evacuation

Keep children informed at their age level:

Young children: "There's a big storm coming, so we're going to stay at Uncle Dave's house until it's safe to come home. Remember our plan? You're in charge of packing your special backpack."

Older children: "This cyclone could hit our area with dangerous winds and flooding, but we have a plan to stay safe. Council has called for evacuation, which means we need to leave soon."

Teenagers: Give them all the information. They can handle it and they'll respect being treated like capable people. They're more likely to cooperate when they understand genuine risks rather than feeling patronised.

Jobs that keep kids focused: Anxious kids often do better with tasks. "Can you check that all the torches have batteries?" "Can you help your brother pack his bag?" Tasks give them control and purpose.

Supporting grandparents during evacuation

Check in without making them feel burdensome: "Mum, can you grab your medications while I get the kids sorted?" positions them as part of the team.

Mobility considerations: If grandparents use walking aids or move slowly, build that into your timeline. Don't rush them – that increases fall risk and anxiety.

Having difficult conversations: If a grandparent insists they'll stay when evacuation is necessary: "I understand you've weathered storms before. This time, we need you to come with us because we can't evacuate and leave you here – we'd be too worried, and we’d love your help keeping the kids safe."

Getting pets organised early

Secure pets before household chaos peaks. As soon as evacuation becomes likely, get pets into carriers or secured areas. Cats especially need early containment – they sense stress and can disappear into hiding spots.

Pets pick up on your anxiety. Stay calm around them. Familiar toys and blankets in carriers help. Some pets benefit from anxiety medications during high-stress events – talk to your vet before storm season about whether this is appropriate.

Practise your plan: Family pets and livestock may not always be the most cooperative when stressed during severe weather, leading to fear and anxiety. Practising helps everyone know what to do.

The school and childcare question: Queensland schools close when evacuation is recommended, or conditions are unsafe. You'll usually get notification the evening before or early morning. This eases road and frees up school buses for broader community evacuation.

The challenges we don’t talk about

You can't do everything perfectly

Someone will forget something important. This happens, and it’s okay. You're managing a genuinely complex situation with multiple dependents who all have different needs.

You can't pour from an empty cup. Ask your teenager to watch younger kids. Ask your sister to sit with mum. Step outside for 15 minutes. Queensland communities are good at helping each other – accept kindness when it’s offered and ask for help when you need it.

When standard advice doesn't fit

Grandparents with dementia or cognitive challenges: Bring familiar objects, maintain routines as well as possible, explain repeatedly and patiently. Work with their doctor or dementia support services before storm season.

Kids with additional needs or disabilities: Connect with disability support services before storm season to develop your household plan.

Mobility limitations: If someone uses a wheelchair or needs bariatric equipment, identify accessible evacuation destinations early and ensure your vehicle can accommodate equipment.
Special medical needs: If someone uses medical equipment that needs electricity, download the  Queensland Health factsheet for powered medical devices.

CALD families: Get Ready Queensland resources are available in multiple languages. Many evacuation centres accommodate a variety of cultural needs – find out what support is available through your local council and communicate your requirements early.

The pet accommodation reality

Not all evacuation centres accept pets. Some are pet-friendly; many aren't. Assistance animals are generally accommodated, but regular pets may not be.

Your contingency plan: Evacuate to family/friends who can take your pets, boarding facilities outside evacuation zones (book early – they fill quickly), pet-friendly hotels, or fostering arrangements.

Why plan ahead: During actual emergencies, options become limited and tensions can become high. We all love our pets and when services fill up, roads close, and centres reach capacity, it can be tempting to make choices that put your pet ahead of your own safety. Planning ahead can help you avoid having to make that choice.

Getting started

This is genuinely a complex operation. You're coordinating multiple generations, different capabilities, children at different stages, and animals who don't understand what's happening. Take your time and try to think about all of the different moving parts.

Planning now means when that cyclone warning comes or flood evacuation is called, you're making decisions from preparation rather than panic.

Start with these three steps:

  1. Know your risks – Find out what disasters could affect your area
  2. Make your plan – Complete the online Household Severe Weather Emergency Plan (takes just a few minutes)
  3. Pack your kit – Download the Emergency Kit Checklist and start gathering supplies
     

You don't need to do everything at once. You just need to start.
 

More resources:

 

Ready to plan your household evacuation? Start with the Get Ready Queensland Household Severe Weather Emergency Plan – it takes just a few minutes and guides you through the questions your whole household needs to answer. Find your local council's disaster dashboard for evacuation centres, pet policies, and local resources.