Flood Emergency Kit[1]
Water - Water
should be stored in clean, plastic containers. Allow approximately 20 litres
per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes, in case water supply
is cut off or becomes contaminated. Try to store sufficient water to last for
three days. In hot conditions, or where there are persons with special needs, such
as children or the sick, extra water may be required. Freeze extra water or buy
ice to keep food cool in your fridge, freezer or ‘esky’, in case power fails.
Food - Store a
three-day supply of food that is non-perishable or that requires little
preparation. You can include a selection of canned meats, fish or soups, dried
fruits, nuts, cereal, dry crackers, spreads such as jam or peanut butter,
tetra-packed juices, tea, instant coffee, sugar and long-life or powdered milk.
If you store items such as packet soups and noodles, remember to allow extra
water for mixing.
First aid kit - The kit
should contain waterproof adhesive dressings of various sizes, gauze pads and
adhesive tape, bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic (lotion or cream), a
thermometer, sunscreen, safety pins, soap or other cleansing agent, eye lotion,
sterile saline solution for irrigation, latex gloves and pain relievers such as
paracetamol or ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoeal medication, antacids and moistened
towelettes. Other items that are useful are electrolyte powders, insect
repellent and antihistamines or an anti-itch cream. Your pharmacist can provide
further advice.
Tools and supplies Include
items such as: battery operated radio, extra batteries, matches, a pocket knife
or multi-purpose tool, manual can opener, torch, candles, pliers, waterproof
tape, whistle, plastic sheeting, sewing kit, foil, toilet paper, plastic cups,
plates and utensils, soap, personal toiletries, garbage bags, plastic bucket
with lid, chlorine bleach. A tent and a map of the area might also be useful in
the event that you need to locate evacuation centres. Fill gas bottles to use
for cooking.
Clothing and bedding As well as a change of clothes, include
gloves, sturdy waterproof shoes or gumboots, protective clothing such as
raincoats or windcheaters, waterproof sleeping bags or other weather resistant
bedding, hat and sunglasses.
Special items These
may be items such as baby formulas and toys, reading materials, medical items,
spare optical items, mobile phone and charger, personal aids (hearing aids,
walking aids etc). You may also need to take an inventory of household contents
or ‘before’ photos and spare cash. Other special items such as computers,
albums, artworks, jewellery, family heirlooms and keepsakes, should have
already been stored safely.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist
about filling extra prescription medications if a disaster or emergency
situation is imminent as those buildings too may be flooded.
If you have pets, you will also need
to consider an Emergency Kit for them. For more detail, please see the Section
on Pets and Emergencies.
DOCUMENTS
Most critical however, are personal
documents that are difficult to recover without a great deal of bureaucracy
and anxiety.
An example of
documents to take in a waterproof container, but not limited to
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Prescriptions
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House Deeds & Mortgage Documents
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Passports & ID Documents (Licence, Accreditations)
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‘Before’ photos
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Emergency Phone Numbers (doctors, Flood Assist)
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Stocks and Bonds
|
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Contact Numbers (work, family, friends)
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Car Registration
|
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Birth & Marriage Certificates
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Medicare and Pension Cards
|
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Qualification Certificates (Degree, Diploma)
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Backup of Important Computer Files
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Banking & Financial Papers
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Bank Account Numbers & PINs
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Insurance Certificates
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Tax File Numbers
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Computer Log-In Information and Passwords
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Wills
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Dry and up-to-date Store
your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller
version of your emergency kit in the boot of your car. Keep items in airtight
plastic bags inside a waterproof container. It may be more practical to divide
the kit into a number of smaller containers that are easier to manage.
Change your stored water supply
every six months so it stays fresh and rotate your stored food every six
months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries
and any other items that may be out of date or deteriorating.
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