Prepare for evacuation

No matter  where you live in Queensland, the potential for disaster is always present.Developing  an evacuation plan now can save you time and stress in the event of an  emergency.

On this page are three steps to help prepare evacuation arrangements for your Emergency Plan, as well as a checklist before you evacuate.

There is also a suggested list of items to have prepared in your Evacuation Kit.

1. Research hazards and disaster management arrangement in your community.

• What potential hazards could impact your community? Is there any information on Disaster Management Plans for these hazards?
  • Check with your local library and local council for information and plans.
  • Check with your local council about local warning systems, evacuation process and nominated evacuation routes.
  • Find out if you live in a flood—prone area or evacuation zone. Do you need to make arrangements to stay with friends on higher ground?
• Ask about emergency and evacuation plans at your workplace, school, and childcare providers. Check if they need details of your household emergency contacts.
• What local support is available?
  • Ask for contact details of local agencies and record these on your Emergency Plan.
  • If your household will need support to evacuate, find out what assistance is available.
• Become familiar with weather warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology website and phone services.

2. Discuss possible scenarios and responses with your household.

• Discuss each hazard and potential scenarios.
• What would you do in the event of each emergency?
• Where might you be when such an emergency occurs?
• Depending on the type of emergency, decide how you would keep in touch and where you would meet.
• Does everyone know the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) and what to do when this warning is issued? To learn more about SEWS visit the disaster website    
• Does everyone know to tune into the local ABC radio station to hear updates and warnings?
• You may also need to prepare for evacuation. Discuss where to go if you were unable to return home or if you have to leave your home.
• Nominate two meeting places in case of an emergency, one nearby, another outside your neighbourhood, everyone can easily get to. Is there a local cyclone shelter of       Neighbourhood Safer Place?
• Nominate two family members or friends who do not live with you (one local, one interstate) to be household emergency contacts in case you and your family become separated. Ensure everyone knows how to contact these people.
• Discuss medical conditions of household members. Include essential medications and dosages in your Emergency Kit.
• Discuss what preparations are needed for your pets.

3. Checklist for evacuation

• Has official advice been given to evacuate?
• Do you know where you will be evacuating to?
• Is you evacuation point further inland, on higher ground and secure?
• Do you know the preferred route for evacuation?
• Is your vehicle full of fuel?
• Have you packed your Emergency Plan?
• Have you packed your Emergency Kit?
• Have you packed your Evacuation Kit?
• Do you have essential medications for your family?
• Have you packed important documents and valuables?
• Have you turned off all the power, gas and water mains to your home?
• Are your pets safe and secure?
• Have you secured and locked your home?
• Have you packed emergency water supplies?
• Have you checked on neighbours who are elderly or disabled?

If you are visiting or holidays in Queensland, or interstate, and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodations manager to identify options for evacuation.