Summary
- Prepare an emergency kit before fire season to make it easier to leave quickly.
- Store your emergency kit in an easy to access location.
- Make sure you back up important documents and files.
- Consider storing valuables and family keepsakes away from your property during the fire season.
- Practise packing your car before bushfire season.
Preparing for the worst
Aim to pack your emergency kit during autumn or winter, before the fire season starts.
Think about what each of the members of your household might need if you are unable to return home for a number of days, or if your home is lost in a fire. Think about packing a main kit for the household, and a smaller kit for each person.
Situations you need to prepare for:
- Being away from home for days or weeks
- Having no power
- Having no phone or internet connection
- Needing to prove your identity and address
- Being confronted with fire or radiant heat
- Long periods of waiting
What to pack in your emergency kit
The following list is just a guide—make sure you consider your unique situation and household.
Make a safer choice - pure wool blankets
Make sure you pack pure wool blankets, not blankets made from a wool blend, or synthetic fibres such as woven acrylic, knitted polyester or polar fleece.
Synthetic fibres will melt in a fire and burn your skin.
Never shelter under wet wool blankets—the water will turn to steam due to the heat of the fire and burn your skin.
Children's items
Consider what your children might need in an emergency.
Along with practical items, consider what would help them feel safe and comfortable in an emergency, such as:
- Blanket or pillow from home
- Special toy
- Card game
See our bushfire planning with babies and toddlers page for a full list of baby-related items to consider.
Pet items
Don't forget your furry friends. See our pets and bushfires information for a full list.
Storing your emergency kit
Keep your emergency kit in an easy-to-access location, for example:
- In the garage
- Near the front or back door
- In a cupboard that's easy to access
Practise how to pack the car
Before bushfire season or days of low fire risk, take the time to practise packing your car with all your emergency items.
Make sure everything fits, including when people and pets are in the car.
Page last updated: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 11:36:08 AM