Storms and disasters preparation checklist

Simple precautions could help you and your family in times of a disaster.

• Prepare a household disaster plan and evacuation plan.
• Pack your Storm kit and have it fully stocked and ready.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.
• Make sure important documents (passports and identification) as well as cash are safe in waterproof containers.

Check out our severe weather safety information for how to prepare for and deal with an event.

The following checklists can also help ensure you and your family stay safe.

Storm kit checklist

Every home should have a full stocked Storm kit ready and stored for the summer storm season.

Essential supplies - remember, power could be cut for several days so you need to be prepared:

• Battery operated radio - it's essential for keeping updated about cyclone warnings and other essential information such as relief efforts.
• Battery operated torch
• Spare batteries
• Mobile phone - use your mobile phone only in emergencies to prolong battery life and to assist with congestion on phone networks.
• Remember cordless phones do not work without power.
• Portable mobile charger
• First aid kit and knowing how to use it can save lives
• Can opener
• Tinned and other non-perishable food
• Fresh drinking water
• Essential medications

Other important items:

• Copies of important documents eg. insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills in sealable plastic bags
• Waterproof matches
• Self-contained cooking facilities including gas cylinders or coals & firelighters
• Fuel or gas lamp
• Filled water containers
• Supplies for infants including formula, baby food, nappies and wipes if required
• Special food for elderly or disabled members of the family if required
• Warm dry clothing and shoes
• Toiletries including toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sun screen and insect repellent
• Food and medications for your pets and newspapers for their sanitary needs

Other useful items:

• Sturdy gloves, heavy duty waterproof plastic bags and masking tape can prove useful during the clean up
• A tin of paint and a brush - in remote areas, if there's a chance that your property could become isolated, painting your property name on the roof will assist emergency services.

Life support checklist

In case of a power interruption, you should have a plan to minimise the impact on your health.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How does your life support equipment perform if the main supply fails?
• Have you contacted us about our Life Support Program?
• If you have a back-up battery, is it fully charged for use at all times?
• If you have reserve oxygen cylinders, are they filled and working?
• Have you made a note of the nearest hospital, its address and contact details?
• Do you know if your hospital can supply power via back-up generators during power interruptions?
• If your back-up battery is low and power has still not been reconnected to your home, do you have a transport plan in place to enable you to get to the hospital?
• Do you have important contact numbers on hand for:
  • Doctor
  • Local hospital
  • Ambulance
  • Taxi
  • Our contact numbers
  • Personal carer
  • Health care professional
• Have you put together a Storm kit?
• Is your supply of medications, prescription drugs and any special health needs fully stocked?
• Have you protected your electronic equipment by plugging computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors or considered an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for temporary back-up power?
• Does your phone still work when electrical supply is disrupted? Cordless phones will not operate without electrical supply. Do you have an alternative phone service available?