Preparing for an emergency

Emergencies can strike without warning. Being aware of the risks and prepared for them is essential, and can save lives. 
 
The Australian Red Cross has developed a four-step process, known as the Emergency REDiPlan, which households can utilise to prepare for emergencies and develop a plan. The process follows the steps of:
 

1. Be informed- Find out what emergencies might happen in your area, where you might go if you weren't able to go home and how to get information and help in an emergency 
2. Make a plan- Should you or your loved ones be affected by an emergency, planning ahead helps you to be more resilient and can reduce disruption in your lives 
3. Get an emergency kit- Put together an emergency kit with everything you'll need if you have to leave your home in an emergency or if you need to stay in your home for an extended period of time (see below for suggestions on what to put in your kit) 
4. Know your neighbours- Getting to know your neighbours is an important part of preparing your household. People who know their neighbours are more likely to help each other out in an emergency, increasing your chances of coping better in the long term. Taking time to get to know your neighbours has a range of other benefits too

 
More detailed fact sheets about each step can be found at http://www.redcross.org.au/ or may be ordered by phone during business hours on 8327 7700.

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Is your business ready for an emergency?

If you would like to find out more about how your business can prepare for emergencies click here.

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Emergency Kit  

During or after an emergency such as bushfire, flood, landslip or storm, you may not have immediate access to food, water, clothing or other daily items, and water or power supplies may be unavailable.

In preparation for an emergency it is recommended that you make an Emergency Kit containing enough supplies for three days. It is important that you have your kit ready at all times.

Suggested items for inclusion:

• Portable radio
• Torch
• Spare batteries suitable for both the radio and torch (check batteries every 3 months)
• Your mobile phone with spare battery (charged)
• Change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, strong outdoor shoes and rubber gloves)
• Candles and waterproof matches
• First aid kit and basic first aid knowledge or instructions
• Essential prescription medication
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet supplies
• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
• Face and dust masks
• Waterproof bag for clothing and valuables (including your insurance details)
• List of emergency contact numbers and numbers of friends and relatives
• Food and water for at least three days
  • Non-perishable food (canned or dried)
  • Bottled water (at least three 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)
  • Can opener
  • Alternative cooking options (small gas stove with filled gas bottle)
  • Check and replace food and water every 12 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 Kit and place it somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your house knows where your Emergency Kit is kept. If you prefer to keep some of your Emergency Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.

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If you need urgent emergency assistance now call:

• 000 for police, fire or ambulance
• 132 500 for flood and storm assistance