Evacuation plan
If you live in an area prone to cyclones, floods or bushfires, planning for an evacuation now will save you time and stress. Prepare for evacuation in 3 steps.
Step 1—Research
- Is your area likely to be affected by flooding, storm surge or tsunami?
- Check with your local council and library for information on potential hazards.
- Check with your local council about local warning systems, evacuation process and nominated evacuation routes.
- What support is available to you and your household in case of emergency?
- Ask for contact details of local support agencies.
- If your household will need support to evacuate, find out what help is available from your local council and support agencies.
- Decide how you will prepare your pets if you cannot take them with you.
Step 2—Record details on your evacuation plan
- Identify a safe place to evacuate to.
- Family or friends living in secure accommodation further inland on higher ground are the best option.
- Record the contact and location details of your evacuation options in your plan.
- Create a checklist for everything you need to do before evacuating, and ensure household members know how to do these things. For example
- storing electrical items off the ground
- switching off water, power and gas at the mains
- sandbagging your toilets and drains.
Step 3—Prepare your evacuation kit, stay prepared and keep informed
Your evacuation kit is designed to be an addition to your emergency kit and includes additional supplies to keep your family safe in case you need to leave your home for a few days.
Gather everything you need for your evacuation well in advance. If you get the order to evacuate, you may not have much time, and essential supplies may not be available.
Keep the kit in a sturdy, easy-to-carry bag or waterproof storage box, and store in a safe place that is easy to access.