When a summer storm hits, knocking out the power, internet and other services, will you be ready and prepared to survive the discomfort for up to three days?

Emergency response agencies around the globe recommend that each one of us prepares a “Go Bag” – a bag with a collection of essential and helpful items that are pre-packed into a bag that can be snatched up quickly in response to a sudden emergency.

In Australia, preparing such a bag makes absolute good sense. We are a nation of dry weather and bushfires, summer storms and floods, cyclones, and even increasing earthquakes. We never know when such an event will turn critical, triggering a need to survive or even demanding an evacuation, so it’s wise to have a ‘Go Bag’ of those essential and helpful items at the ready for when that emergency strikes.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your own Go Bag:

·       Your bag should be waterproof, just in case you encounter heavy storms or rising waters.

·       If you’re part of a family, consider preparing separate bags with items unique for everyone. It’s a good idea to check the bag at least twice per year to make sure sensitive contents like wound dressings and painkiller tablets are not past their expiration date.

·       The Go Bag’s purpose is to provide you with the essential supplies that you would need for at least three days (72 hours). Consider the risks and climate of your region when planning to pack your emergency bag. 

·       Choose an easy storage location for the Go Bag, and make sure every member of the household is aware of this location. 

·       You may need to evacuate, so it’s important that you practice your evacuation. This will help make sure all members of your household know what to do – including children and the elderly. In an evacuation, it’s important to know what each person can carry – including the emergency Go Bag or bags, and pets.

·       Plan your evacuation route – the route you take on a daily basis may not be the safest in an emergency. Listen to your local authorities to ensure your planned route is still safe and the roads are open.

Download your guide to what you can pack in your emergency ‘Go Bag” (remember, it’s a guide only, and you should research and pack your Go Bag items according to your individual needs and circumstances):

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