Emergency preparation Emergency kit.

Emergency kit
www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/prepare-for-an-emergency/emergency-kit

A well prepared basic emergency kit will help you to be ready for all types of emergencies.

Add to or modify your kit to suit your own household needs. Consider:

disasters likely to occur in your area
caring for young children, and people with health-related issues or a disability.
Include items in your kit to last at least three days in a disaster as emergency services may not be able to assist straight away and power and water supplies may be interrupted or cut off.

Organise your kit

Store your kit in sturdy and easy-to-carry waterproof bags or containers.

Keep your kit in a handy place, known to everyone in the household.

As part of your emergency plan make a list of items in your emergency kit. For practical reasons you'll need to add some items at the time of the emergency - eg medications, portable cooking stove. Make sure these extra items are somewhere handy and make a note of the location on your list.

Maintenance of your kit

Check your emergency kit regularly.

Make sure that all items on the checklist are accounted for.

Replace batteries, water and food every 12 months if necessary.

Emergency kit items
Use these suggestions to work out what you need in your emergency kit.

Food and water

Clean drinking water in sealed containers - at least three litres per person, per day.

Water to wash and cook - at least two litres per person, per day.

Food supplies that:

won't spoil and don't require refrigeration
can be prepared with little or no water
require minimal preparation and cooking time
are compact and light-weight, especially if you'll need to carry them. Suggestions include:
ready to eat canned or bottled food
dried and long-life food
snack food
food for special diets.

Equipment and tools

portable radio and torches - battery-powered, solar or wind-up
spare batteries
lantern for indoor use
portable barbeque or stove with fuel
cooking and eating utensils including a can opener
waterproof matches
rubbish bags
pen and paper
street directory or map – in case you need to drive to unfamiliar areas
whistle – in case you need to attract attention or call for help
basic tool kit
suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket.

Personal items

protective clothing and footwear - long sleeved shirt and long pants, wide-brimmed hat, sturdy gloves and boots
blankets or sleeping bags
toiletries – soap, toilet paper, sanitary items
spare house and car keys
cash – in case you are unable to use bank cards and credit cards.

Babies and small infants

food, formula and drink
change of clothing and nappies
favourite toy and activity - to make children feel safe and keep them busy.

First aid

First aid kit including protective clothing such as disposable gloves and face masks.

Documents

Keep originals and copies of important documents in a safe place.

Copies can be stored on a CD, USB memory stick or in the cloud.

The Money Smart website has information on how to secure important documents.

Pet supplies

If you have pets, the RSPCA website has information about preparing your pet emergency kit.

Last-minute items

When you are getting ready to leave add:

mobile phone and power supply/recharger
medications and prescriptions
extra first aid supplies - eg sunscreen, insect repellent
extra blankets, pillows and camping air or foam mattresses
several changes of clothes
bank cards and credit cards
extra toiletries - eg toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo
valuables - eg family photos, jewellery, mementos
important cards and documents
reading glasses and spare contact lenses
games and toys.

Leaving in a hurry

If you need to get out quickly take a few essential items including:

sturdy shoes that are comfortable for walking
water and snacks
medications and prescriptions
important cards and documents
extra clothes to suit the emergency and weather conditions - eg lightweight raincoat and hat
torch
radio
whistle.