Household Emergency Checklist

In most emergencies, you should be able to stay at home or at your workplace. In this situation, you may have to rely on your Emergency Survival Items.

The Emergency Items should include:

Emergency items

• Torch with spare batteries
• Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every 3 months)
• A change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet supplies
• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
• Face and dust masks

Food and water for at least three days

• Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
• Bottled water (at least 3 litres per person, per day for drinking)
• Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
• Click here for tips on storing water
• A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
• A can opener
• Check and replace food and water every twelve months.

Supplies for babies and small children

• Food, formula and drink
• Change of clothing and nappies
• Toys or favourite activity

Assemble everything you need for your Emergency Survival Items and place it somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your house knows where your Emergency Survival Items are kept. If you prefer to keep some of your Emergency Survival Items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.

Download a checklist (PDF)