Prepare your Household for Evacuation
Print out a copy of the Household Evacuation information and Evacuation Kit checklist
If you live in a low-lying coastal area or an area that has experienced major flooding in the past, planning for an evacuation now can save you time and stress in the event of storm surge or flood.
Evacuations are usually only ordered if storm surge or flood is likely. In some cases evacuation may be ordered for tsunami threats.
Here are three steps to help prepare evacuation arrangements for your Emergency Plan.
1. Research evacuation requirements
- Is your area likely to be affected by flooding, storm surge or tsunami?
- Check with your local library and council for information on potential hazards.
- Check with your local council about local warning systems, evacuation process and nominated evacuation routes.
- What support is available to you and your household in case of emergency?
- Ask for contact details of local support agencies.
- If your household will need support to evacuate, find out what assistance is available from local council and support agencies.
- Decide how you will look after your pets if you cannot take them with you.
2. Record evacuation details on your Household Emergency Plan:
- Identify a safe place to evacuate to if storm surge or floods are potential threats.
- Family or friends who live in secure accommodation that is further inland and on higher ground are the best option.
- Record the contact and location details of your evacuation options on your Emergency Plan.
- Identify and document all tasks required prior to evacuating and ensure household members know how to complete each task (such as storing electrical items off the ground, switching off water, power and gas at the mains, sandbagging drains).
3. Ensure your household is prepared and remains informed
- Make a list of personal and household items to take with you in your Evacuation Kit. (for example: warm clothes; essential medicines; baby formula; nappies; spare spectacles ; valuables; important papers / photos / mementos in waterproof plastic bags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets, spare cash).
- Review and practise your Emergency Plan regularly (three times per year) to ensure everyone is familiar with required tasks for evacuation.
- Ensure you have a supply of fuel stored safely in your garage in case you need to evacuate at short notice.
- Listen to local community safety announcements (on radio and television) to identify the preferred evacuation routes for your area.
- Help your friends and neighbours, particularly the elderly and those who need special assistance, by passing on information on warnings.
- If you are visiting or holidaying in Queensland, or interstate, and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation manager to identify options for evacuation.
Print out Household Evacuation and Evacuation Kit information
PDF – Household Evacuation Information and Evacuation Kit
Last updated 12 Jan 2009
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