Be Ready For An Emergency Evacuation

Before An Evacuation Warning

  • If you’re concerned about your safety, don’t wait to be told to evacuate. Leaving early is the safest option.
  • You may not receive notice to evacuate. A disaster situation may escalate quickly, or networks may be down.
  • Check that your route is clear by using Live Traffic.
  • Never drive, ride or walk through fire or flood waters.
  • Remember to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours and share important updates.

If You Are Told To Evacuate

  • You may be told to evacuate by text message, a phone call to your landline, someone at your door, or a warning siren.
  • Follow the instructions to leave immediately. Grab your emergency kit if you have one, and supplies for 3 to 7 days.
  • Assist household members who need extra help evacuating.
  • Tell your neighbours and friends of your decision and assist them, if you can.
  • If there's time before you leave, turn off the power, gas, water, and lock doors and windows.
  • Stay with friends or family in a safe location, if you can, or in rented accommodation.
  • Check evacuation routes are open via Live Traffic.

What Should I Take With Me?

As a guide for how much to pack, think about what you will need if you are away for 3 days.

Some items to pack include:

  • keys, cash, ATM cards, credit cards
  • medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies
  • essential items for infants, elderly, injured, people with disability
  • your child's favourite toy
  • mobile phone and charger
  • combination pocket knife
  • important documents, valuables and photos (in a waterproof bag)
  • clothes for everyone, including school uniforms
  • items for young children
  • food (dried and long-life food) and drinking water

Documents to pack, if you have time:

  • licences, birth certificates, passports
  • home and medical insurance policies
  • contact numbers for friends, family, neighbours, and emergency services 
  • photos.

Electricity, Gas And Water Safety

Fire and Floods can damage utility networks and impact essential services like electricity, water, natural gas, sewage, and telecommunications supply to homes and businesses. Hazards may remain after fire has passed or flooding has receded, so it’s important to know your risks and take adequate precautions before, during, and after an emergency.    

Always follow instructions and directions from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if necessary.  

  • If you have lost power, turn off and unplug electrical equipment. If possible, remove and relocate portable appliances to another location.
  • Don't connect portable generators to the electrical wiring of your house or office unless a licensed electrician has installed a changeover switch. Always read the manufacturer's instructions very carefully before doing so.  
  • Before evacuating, turn off the gas and electricity to your home. Do not touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water or if your hands are wet.
  • Stay away from powerlines, trees and watercourses. Always assume fallen powerlines are live and stay at least 8 metres or 2 car lengths away. Do not approach them or walk under them. Trees that have fallen across powerlines could also be electrified. Do not attempt to remove trees or branches.

Electricity, Gas and Water Safety

Evacuation Centres

If you need to evacuate, the best option is to stay with friends and family in a safe location.

You can also go to an evacuation centre for shelter and assistance. If an evacuation centre is open, you can find details on:

Visit How to find an evacuation centre for more on what to expect at an evacuation centre.

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