Pantry
Make an Emergency Plan
Your Emergency Plan let’s you and your household plan ahead so you know exactly what to do, where to go and how to keep in touch with each other during an emergency.
Make an Emergency kit
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency is to prepare an emergency kit. Use a checklist to gather items you’ll need to stay safe and informed.
Radio
Keep a battery-powered radio in your Emergency Kit.
Make an Evacuation Kit
Planning for an evacuation now can save you time and stress in the event of an emergency. Consider what you'd need to take with you, and prepare an evacuation kit for your household.
Home insurance
Make sure your home insurance is adequate and covers all hazards in your area.
Emergency contacts
Keep emergency contacts and key numbers handy.
Download resources
Download the ACT Government's "Your Guide to Preparing for an Emergency" and "Your Emergency Grab and Go Booklet"
Learn about local procedures
Learn about your local government’s emergency preparedness and review evacuation zones and routes.
First aid
Take a First Aid course or update your certification.
Discuss with family
Discuss possible scenarios and responses with family.
Stay informed
Stay informed and know how to tune into warnings and alerts.
Home and yard
Ensure that your home and yard are well maintained.
Appliances and devices
Be aware of appliances and other devices that may not work without power or gas such as garage doors, heating/cooling, telephone or kitchen appliances.
Pantry
Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable food items that don’t require cooking.
Neighbours
Get to know your neighbours.
Mains
Learn how to turn off all mains including power, water, gas and solar power.
Smoke alarms
Install smoke alarms and test them regularly.
Create a safety plan for your zombie
If you have a zombie in your family, be sure to take extra steps to prepare to keep everyone safe.
Support group
If you are elderly or have a disability, it is especially important that you build a personal support group of family, friends and caregivers. Discuss your needs and make sure you understand each other’s expectations in the event of an emergency.
Share with your support group
Share your emergency plan and emergency kit, and plan how to communicate with your support group.
Spare keys
Provide spare keys to your support group to access your house during an emergency. This is especially important if you are elderly, have a disability or are a vulnerable person (pregnant etc.).
Medication
Keep a seven-day supply of any essential medications.
Medical alert ID
Wear a medical alert ID to identify disability or health issue.
Check in with neighbours
If you are elderly or have a disability, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to check on you after an emergency.
If you have a disability, list your specific needs
If you have a disability, keep a list of your specific needs, limitations, capabilities and medications.
Back-up generator
Plan ahead if anyone in your household needs life-support equipment and find a back-up generator.
Your nearest hospital
Know the location of your nearest hospital in case of emergency.
Service provider assistance
Consider asking your disability service provider for assistance and information on your emergency plan.
Equipment operation
Make sure members of your support network understand how to operate any equipment needed by people with disability or chronic health conditions.
Communication plan
If you have a communication disability, write down the best way to communicate with you and keep it in your emergency plan.
Emergency kit extras for elderly
If you have an elderly household member, consider keep an extra pair of glasses and spare medication in your emergency kit.
Mobility aids
If a member of your household uses a walking aid or mobility aid, consider placing spares in different rooms throughout your home; keeping them assessable at all times.
Hearing aids for the elderly
If an elderly member of your household (or any member of your household) uses hearing aids, keep extra batteries for the aids in your emergency kit. Replace them annually so you're never caught out.
Spare mobility or medical equipment
If you or a member of your household uses mobility equipment, medical equipment or similar, consider storing back-up equipment at your neighbour’s home, school or your workplace.
Wheelchair or mobility aids
If you use an electric wheelchair or mobility aid, keep a manual wheelchair for back-up if possible.
Your baby's records
Keep a copy of your baby's medical and immunisation records along with contact information for your health care providers in your emergency kit.
Essential items for infants
Include essential baby items in your emergency kit including nappies, bottles and extra baby clothes.
Emergency planning with children
Involve your children when creating your emergency plan.
Discuss scenarios with children
Discuss possible emergency scenarios and responses with your children.
Disaster education
Teach your children about extreme weather and natural disasters.
Emergency responses and emotions
Learn about how your children might respond to an emergency.
Get pets ready
Get your pets and animals ready: keep a pet carrier, leash or harness close-at-hand and check if your local evacuation centre will accept pets.
Evacuation kits for pets
Include items for your pets in your emergency and evacuation kits.
Emergency plan for pets
Keep a list of important numbers for your pet in your Emergency Plan.
ID tags for pets
Keep your pet's ID up to date with your contact details and make sure your pet is microchipped.
Leaving pets behind
If you must leave your pet behind, lock them indoors with food and water.
Vaccinations
Ensure your pet's vaccinations and licenses are up to date.
Transporting birds
If you need to transport or evacuate your bird, transport them in a secure travel cage or carrier.
District: Neighbours
Get to know your neighbours.
District: Local hazards
Understand your community risk - research your local hazards.
Update your contact details
Stay informed of weather warnings and ensure your contact details are up-to-date so authorities can contact you in an emergency.
District: Newcomers
Talk to people new to your area about local hazards and the ‘ACT First' and ESA website
District: resources
Know what resources are available to you and your community and what your personal responsibilities are.
District: Special skills
Get together with your neighbours and list those with special skills that will benefit your community; make a list of tools and equipment your neighbours can share.
District: Unite as a community
Unite as a community to overcome the extreme weather events and other hazards.
Volunteer and get to know your community
Whether you’re a long-term resident in your area or newly arrived, volunteering is a great way to meet new people, while giving to the community.