How to build a Family Emergency Kit - including Pets

When disaster strikes, every second counts. Bushfires, floods, cyclones, and

even prolonged power outages can force families to evacuate at a moment’s

notice - and the chaos can be overwhelming. You might only have minutes to

grab what you need and get to safety.

In those moments, it’s easy to forget essentials: medicine left in the bathroom,

pet food still in the cupboard, or important documents buried in a drawer. Sadly,

countless Australians each year find themselves stranded without the basics -

and too often, their pets are left behind or without proper care.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation, you can have everything your family needs, including your furry, feathered, or scaled friends, ready to go.

Building an emergency kit now ensures you and your loved ones can leave

quickly, survive comfortably for several days, and focus on what really matters:

staying safe. This guide walks you through everything you need to pack for your family and

your pets, so everyone gets through the crisis together.

Why an Emergency Kit matters

In an emergency, there’s no time to think about what to grab. People often

leave behind essentials and sadly, pets are sometimes forgotten or left

without food, medicine, or shelter.

According to the RSPCA, being prepared with a kit helps you:

• Leave faster

• Survive comfortably for up to 72 hours

• Reduce stress

• Keep your family and pets healthy and safe

What to include in your Kit

Your kit should be easy to carry (like a large backpack or wheeled bag), stored

somewhere accessible, and checked every six months to replace expired

items.

Here’s what you should pack:

• Drinking water (at least 3 litres per person per day for 3 days)

• Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)

• Can opener & utensils

• Torch (with spare batteries) or headlamp

• Battery-powered or wind-up radio

• First aid kit

• Medications & prescriptions

• Spare glasses or contact lenses

• Important documents (IDs, insurance, bank details) in a waterproof bag

• Phone chargers & power bank

• Warm clothes, blankets, raincoats, and sturdy shoes

• Masks, gloves, and sanitiser

• Cash (ATMs may not work)

• Whistle or signal device

• 
  

For Pets

Your pets depend on you to be ready too. Prepare a separate kit just for them,

and keep it with your family’s kit.

What to include:

• Food & water (at least 3 days’ supply)

• Collapsible bowls

• Leash, harness, and/or carrier

• Bedding or blanket

• Waste bags, litter tray, and litter

• Toys & comfort items

• Medications, vaccination & vet records

• Recent photo of your pet (to help locate them if lost)

• ID tags & microchip details

  
  

TIP - Store pet food in airtight containers and rotate it regularly so it stays fresh.

Special Considerations

If you have infants: pack nappies, formula, bottles, and comfort items.

If you care for elderly family members: include mobility aids and extra

medical supplies.

If you have livestock: plan ahead for transport or shelter options.

Where to s

tore your Kit

Keep your kit in a cool, dry, and easily accessible place. Many people store it:

Near the front door

In the garage

In the car (if you live in a high-risk area)

If you have multiple floors in your home, consider having smaller kits upstairs

and downstairs.

Check and Refresh your Kit

At least twice a year:

• Replace expired food, water, and medicines.

• Check that batteries still work.

• Update documents and photos if needed.

• Mark a date in your calendar (e.g the start of bushfire season) to check your

kit.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared saves lives — both human and animal. An emergency kit isn’t

just a precaution; it’s peace of mind. When disaster strikes, you won’t have time to gather supplies. But with a ready-to-go kit, you’ll leave quickly, safely, and with all your loved ones — furry ones included.