For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
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Prepare a Get Ready to Go kit

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Why you need a kit

A significant flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley will cause damage to people’s homes. It will also cause major disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, gas, roads and rail lines.

By the time you know a flood might impact your property, there may be very little time before you have to leave. A key step to getting ready for floods (or for any other natural hazard) is to prepare a Get Ready to Go kit.

  • The kit should contain what you will need during and immediately after evacuation, whether you are going to family and friends, or to an evacuation centre.
  • Some key items to include in your kit are a battery-powered radio which will be handy if the power and internet goes out, a torch and batteries, waterproof bag and some personal hygiene items.

For more information and examples of what items to include in your kit, download the Get Ready to Go Kit Factsheet in the resources section above.

 

Your Get Ready to Go kit steps

What to do now

Either scan, photograph or upload to the cloud, key records and documents (insurance, ID, passports, etc.)

Put key contact information into your mobile phone (e.g. doctor, electricity and water utilities etc.)

Photography or scan medication scripts

Check your home and contents insurance policy cover.

What you can place in your kit earlier

Portable radio with spare batteries

Torch with spare batteries

First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)

Candles and waterproof matches

Personal hygiene supplies

Waterproof bag for valuables such as important documents (e.g. passports or insurance) and valuables (e.g. photos, jewellery etc.)

What to add to your Get Ready to Go Kit when you are leaving

A few toys or family games

A good supply of required medications

Any special requirements and supplies for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly.

Fresh food and drinking water

Appropriate clothing and footwear for multiple changes for all household members.

Mobile phone and charger

Prepare a separate kit for pets and animals

For pets and animals, you need a separate kit

Consider restraint and transport, food, water, toileting, medications, first aid, housing and bedding.

Cages or pet carries for each animal

Muzzle and leash, or lead rope and head collar for each animal

3-7 days of food and water for each animal

Bowl or feed bucket, can opener and spoon 

Woollen blanket, towels and bedding

Animal medications and first aid items

Take a photo of your pet's vaccination certificate

Litter and litter tray for cats, poo bags for dogs

Pet toys

Maintaining and storing your kit

  • Your kit should be kept in a waterproof storage container and stored in a safe place that is easy to access.
  • On a regular basis, check your Get Ready to Go kit (remember to check use-by dates on batteries and medications) and restock items if you need to.
  • Also, keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone or on your fridge.

 

Resources

Get Ready to Go kit
Get prepared for flood