In the event of a fire, every second counts. Whether you’re at home or at your workplace, having a well-prepared evacuation kit can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Evacuation bags can also prove vital in events of natural disasters such as bushfires or floods. 

While we all hope to never experience a fire or natural disaster, it’s crucial to be ready for any scenario. 

Getting your Evacuation Kit Ready

Having an evacuation kit can ensure that, if you must leave your house or workplace for any reason, you will have essentials to make that difficult time a little bit easier. Start off with finding a well-suited bag or back-pack that won’t be too cumbersome, that’s waterproof with good padding and straps for comfort. We recommend the following steps for getting your Evacuation Kit ready to go.

Create a folder for storing the essential information & documents for Your Evacuation Kit:

  • Start by making copies of identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates.
  • Insurance policies, medical records, and any other essential documents stored in a waterproof container. A list of emergency contacts including family members, friends, and neighbours.
  • Contact information for local fire stations, police stations, and medical facilities could also prove to be very helpful.
  • Cash in small denominations for purchasing essentials if access to ATMs or card readers is unavailable.
  • Credit or debit cards for additional financial resources.

Organise Communication Devices:

A portable charger could prove to be a life saver if you need to contact emergency services and you have a flat battery on your phone.  Perhaps a power pack to use to charge your phone.  Also finding a suitable battery-powered or hand-crank radio for receiving emergency updates over the radio will help keep you and the family at ease knowing help is on its way, or finding locations of safe havens, evacuation centres or emergency event updates during natural disasters. 

First Aid Kit:

Basic first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and pain killers could prove to be useful for any accidents that may happen during the evacuation. Back up scripts and/or immediate intervention medication could prove to be a lifesaver as well. 

Other Emergency Supplies for your Evacuation Kit:

  • Flashlights with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlights.
  • Whistles to signal for help if trapped.
  • Gloves, masks and sturdy shoes for protection against debris.

Food and Water:

  • Non-perishable food items such as granola bars, canned goods, and dried fruits.
  • Bottled water, for the event of natural disasters products such as life straws could come in handy.

Important Keys:

  • Keys to your home, office, and vehicles.
  • Spare keys stored in a secure location within the kit.

Plan for your Emergency Evacuation

It’s essential for both workplaces and families to collaborate in creating and practicing an Emergency Plan. Make sure all household members or employees understand the evacuation procedures and know the designated location of the emergency kit. Familiarising everyone with these steps in advance allows each person to act confidently and swiftly in a crisis, reducing confusion and helping to ensure everyone’s safety. Regularly reviewing and practicing the plan as a group can further strengthen preparedness and make responding to an emergency smoother and more effective.

Regular Maintenance:

On your phone, set a remind for once a year to check and update your evacuation kit, making notes to replace expired items and ensuring all supplies are in good condition will help to ensure you are always prepared in the event of an emergency.

Accessibility:

Store your evacuation kit in a readily accessible location near an exit, away from potential fire hazards.

Your Evacuation Kit might save lives.

In the event of a fire or natural disaster, having a well-prepared evacuation kit can be a lifesaver. By including essential items such as personal identification, communication devices, first aid supplies, you can be better equipped to handle unexpected emergencies with confidence and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your colleagues. 

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With a dedicated team of staff ready to help you meet compliance requirements and improve the overall safety of your workplace, all you need to do is get in touch.

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