Living on in Victoria, it is always better to be safe than sorry. While emergencies may be rare, it’s important to be prepared in case of an earthquake, tsunami, or storm that could cut off supplies from the mainland. Here’s an easy checklist of everything you need to prep. Once you have a kit ready, you’ll be fine.
- Plastic container: to store most of your emergency kit items in, preferably watertight and sealable
- Backpack: thrift stores often have these for $5-$10
- Water: in plastic 2-litre bottles or single bottles
- Food: canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated. Aim for enough to feed each adult and child for two weeks, and use and replace as part of your normal life
- First aid kit
- Sleeping bag
- Documents in a waterproof bag: copies of your insurance, banking, passport, ID, and credit/debit cards
- Water purification tablets: add to water to make it safe to drink
- Garbage bags and plastic ties
- Cell phone charger: get one that takes single-use batteries, is solar powered, or hand crank powered
- Baby wipes or wet wipes and feminine hygiene products
- Mylar emergency blanket
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Chocolate or comfort snacks
- Crescent wrench: to shut off your water main in an emergency and prevent flooding
- Duct tape
- Can opener
- Scissors
- Notebook and permanent pen
- Battery or solar-powered radio
- Whistle
- Light sticks or glow sticks
- Cash: in small bills, as many stores may not accept $20 bills during an emergency
- Extra keys: for your house and car(s), if possible
Keep your emergency kit in a closet, garage, pantry, or other easily accessible location. It’s better to be prepared and have peace of mind knowing you’re ready for any emergency that may come your way.
Here is a link to the Red Cross’s Survival Kit