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Being Prepared for an Emergency

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Australia is a beautiful continent that has ‘mother nature’ at its core. Australia’s climate can vary greatly from one year to the next.  Natural hazards can be swift and unpredictable often impacting the community with devastating consequences. With this, comes drought, storms, cyclones, bushfire, earthquakes, floods and scorching hot weather. So how do I enjoy the outdoors with all this at the epicentre and stay safe we hear you ask? Here we will give you a few tips and pointers to help you out with being prepared for an emergency.

Always be prepared

By this, we mean have the resources needed incase evacuation is needed, to remain up to date with warnings being issued and know basic first aid so you can help others and yourself if required.

One way to be prepared is with an emergency kit. An emergency kit is essential for short term survival providing vital items for you, your family or household.

Make sure your kit contains the following items:

Food and water

  • Water (at least three litres of water per person to last for up to four days)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Can opener, cutlery and cooking equipment

Other essential items

  • Rubbish bags
  • Face and dust masks and sturdy gloves
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

Medical and sanitation supplies

  • First aid kit and manual
  • Disposable gloves
  • Essential medications, prescriptions and dosage
  • Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo
  • Sunscreen

Supplies for babies and small infants

  • Food, formula and drink
  • Change of clothing
  • Nappies and wipes

Light

  • Battery operated waterproof torch
  • Candles and waterproof matches
  • Spare batteries

Communications

  • Battery operated AM/FM radio and spare batteries
  • Fully charged mobile phone and charger or phone card
  • List of emergency contact numbers
  • Pen and paper

Important documents in sealed bags

  • Household emergency plan with emergency contact phone numbers
  • Photographs and important information (including all documents) stored on memory sticks or CDs

Clothing and footwear

  • Change of warm protective clothing and shoes
  • Garden and rubber gloves

Tools and supplies

  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Utility knife and duct/masking tape
  • Basic tool kit and supplies

Last minute items to include

  • Household emergency plan
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Cash, credit and or debit cards
  • Extra car and house keys
  • Special requirements for infants, elderly, injured, disabled and pets

Along with a well prepared emergency kit, we urge everyone to also learn first aid (available through various organisations), keep in contact with family, friends and loved ones and make sure they know your whereabouts at all times, and most importantly, keep up-to-date with warnings issued via social media, radio and television by emergency service personnel.

Make note of the following emergency numbers:

  • Police – 000
  • Fire – 000
  • Ambulance – 000
  • SES – 132 500

Preparation is critical to help people get ready for the unexpected, it is important to plan ahead for emergency situations especially if you live in areas prone to natural disasters, it could save you and your family’s life. So get prepared today and stay safe my fellow Australians.