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Emergency Home Preparedness Checklist

Use this Emergency Home Preparedness Checklist to organise the key tasks and next steps. Organize household contacts, supplies, documents and practical response plans for common emergencies

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STEP 1 OF 2Getting Started

Work through this step at your own pace.

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Identify likely hazards for your home and local area. To do
Write down emergency contacts and important household information. To do
Choose meeting points and communication methods for household members. To do
Assemble supplies such as water, food, lighting, batteries and basic first aid. To do
Keep essential medications and important documents accessible. To do
Check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms where applicable and follow manufacturer guidance. To do
Know how to shut off relevant utilities if local guidance recommends it. To do
Secure heavy or hazardous household items where appropriate. To do
Review evacuation routes and local emergency information. To do
Test the plan with household members and update it when circumstances change. To do
CHECKLIST GUIDE · PRACTICAL ADVICE

Emergency Home Preparedness Checklist: What to Know Before You Begin

Organize household contacts, supplies, documents and practical response plans for common emergencies.

Before You Start

You do not need to predict exactly what will happen to prepare your home. Think about the hazards most relevant to your area, make sure important contacts and information are accessible, and build a basic supply and communication plan.

Important Tips

  • Build the kit around your household, location and likely risks.
  • Review supplies periodically for expiry dates, batteries and changing household needs.
  • Follow local emergency-management guidance for hazards specific to your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should an emergency kit contain?

Include supplies appropriate to your location and household, such as water, food, lighting, communication, first aid and essential medication.

How often should I review the plan?

Review it when household members, contact information, medical needs or local risks change.

Where should I get emergency instructions?

Use local emergency-management authorities and other official sources for current hazard-specific guidance.

Build a Practical Emergency Plan

Start with the emergencies most relevant to your location and home, such as severe weather, fire, extended power loss or local evacuation. The plan should be simple enough for everyone in the household to follow without relying on one person to remember every detail.

Keep essentials accessible

Store water, food, lighting, basic first-aid supplies, chargers, important documents and other appropriate emergency items where household members can find them. Check expiry dates and replace items that are no longer usable.

Household Communication

  • Write down emergency contacts and local emergency numbers.
  • Choose a household meeting point when appropriate.
  • Know more than one exit route from the home.
  • Include relevant needs of children, older adults, pets or people with disabilities.
  • Review the plan periodically and after major household changes.