How to pack a bushfire kit
Living in a bushfire zone means being ready to leave your property quickly and having an emergency kit to take with you.
Here are a few items to include in your bushfire emergency kit to help keep you safe and prepared.
CFS Director of Community Risk and Resilience Alison May says your emergency kit must be easy to find and carry.
“It’s no use locking it in the shed or making it too big to fit easily in the car,” Alison says. “Small pieces of luggage and sturdy crates are ideal but don’t make them too heavy.”
1. Personal items and technology
Include important documents and items such as passports, driver’s licences, wills, photos, medical prescriptions, insurance papers and jewellery.
If you can, scan documents and store digital copies and other important files on a password-protected portable hard drive (which should also go in your emergency kit) or a digital cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive.
Modern smartphones do a decent job of scanning your photos or you can take them to a specialist. Keep some spare chargers for your phones and other tech in your kit. If you have to evacuate, take portable technology such as laptops and tablets with you.
It’s also good practice to include a battery-powered torch, spare batteries, and a wind-up radio tuned to an official emergency broadcaster such as ABC Radio. Store emergency contact numbers for family, friends, schools, medical facilities, vets, financial institutions, and utilities in your phone, but have a hard copy for easy access.
2. Medicines and clothing
Pack essential medications, sunscreen, a few P2 (dust) face masks for everyone, and a first-aid kit. It’s a good idea to keep some eye drops to provide relief from smoke and ash.
Don’t forget spare glasses, contact lenses, toiletries and other medical items you use regularly. Pack at least one change of clothing for everyone in your group, including sturdy shoes and long-sleeved shirts and pants made from natural fibres.
Alison recommends packing a 100 per cent wool blanket in your car.
“A blanket made from naturally fire-retardant materials like wool can help protect you from radiant heat from a fire if you have to take shelter,” she says.
3. Food and water
Take enough water and food (including snacks) to last at least 48 hours, especially if you live far from supermarkets and shops.
Three litres of water per person per day is recommended, so a few 10L boxes of water are ideal as they’re easy to stack and transport.
For food, pack non-perishable items such as dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, canned goods (don’t forget the can opener) and other packaged goods. A set of camping cutlery and crockery may come in handy too.
4. Pet needs
Keep your pets’ or other animals’ needs in mind too. If you have stock and other non-transportable animals, speak to an expert about what to do in a bushfire emergency.
But if you have dogs, cats or other small pets, bring some items for their wellbeing and comfort. They’ll need food and water but include transport carriers, leashes, medications and familiar items such as toys, beds and treats to help reduce stress.
5. Memorabilia
Although not as important as some of the other items, you might want to gather certain memorabilia for your emergency kit.
The lock of hair from your child’s first visit to the salon or the crocheted rug your late nanna made are irreplaceable, so if you have space, they’re portable and not heavy, include these precious pieces.
A final word
Everyone’s circumstances are different, and this list is a guide only.
Alison recommends having an easy-to-follow plan everyone in your household can understand, including any visitors.
“If you’re evacuating with people who need extra support, consider any necessary equipment or medications they may need over and above what you’ll have packed,” Alison says.
You’ll find plenty of online resources, including the CFS website, to tailor an emergency kit to your needs.