Be prepared for severe weather well before it arrives. In big storms and cyclones, you'll need to think about possible flooding, power outages and water supply issues.
Your survival kit will be unique to your situation. If you're a family with babies or small children or if you have an existing medical condition or live with disability, you should consider what you're going to need when putting a cyclone emergency kit together.
Loading...Basic items include in your kit:
- Radio — Battery-powered, wind-up or solar-powered radio. Mark the dial with the frequencies of ABC Radio in your area.
- Light — A waterproof torch is good. It's worth having a second one that doesn't need batteries, plus candles with waterproof matches or glow sticks.
- Drinking water — You'll need around 10 litres per person to last three days.
- Food — Dried and long-life food to last three days, including some utensils.
- Power bank or wireless charger and batteries — Spares for all devices (check batteries every six months).
- Toiletries — Soap, toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitiser, baby and/or alcohol wipes, toothpaste, sanitary items and face masks.
- Fun stuff — Books and games.
- Cash — Enough to meet basic needs for a few days.
- First-aid kit — replace missing items and check product expiry dates.
- Photographs of valuable household items.
- Pet essentials — What does your pet need to keep them comfortable? Make sure they are microchipped and their vaccinations are up to date.
- Special medical supplies or equipment — Include their uses and copies of prescriptions and dosage amounts.
- Waterproof bags — To protect valuable items like wallets, identification and documents (include hard copies such as prescriptions and insurance details or digital versions copied onto a hard drive or USB).
- Your written cyclone and flood emergency survival plan — This should include contact numbers of family or neighbours. Red Cross Australia's Get Ready app can help you build your own plan on your phone.
- Protective blankets and clothing suitable for a cyclone emergency — Long-sleeved natural-fibre shirts and warmer clothes will protect from wind and rain and protective footwear or rubber boots for flood areas. Sunscreen, insect repellent and wide-brimmed hats are also useful.
NSW Help planning for emergencies NT Cyclone preparation - Auslan Qld Cyclone information for people living with disability Qld Storm information Easy English SA Storms guide - Easy English Tas Help getting ready for emergencies Vic Get ready for storms - Easy EnglishAccessible storm and cyclone information
Set a yearly reminder on your phone or calendar to check your emergency kit.