Red Cross urges households to prepare supplies and evacuation plans

Australians are being urged to prepare essential supplies and think through how they would cope with a disaster or disruption. The advice is about planning ahead, not a notice that a specific disaster or immediate evacuation is expected.

The Australian Red Cross says households should understand the hazards in their community, know local emergency arrangements and identify where they would go if evacuation became necessary. Disruptions can also involve cyber attacks or damaged infrastructure, rather than only bushfires or floods.

Its national resilience director recommends a grab bag containing important documents, including identification and insurance papers, along with items needed overnight or for a longer absence. Families should also consider what children might need while waiting away from home.

Medication is a priority, alongside battery packs, torches and first-aid supplies. Preparing those items in advance can reduce the number of decisions a household must make under pressure.

City residents should also plan for extreme heat that may require staying indoors for several days. Useful questions include whether groceries and prescriptions are available, whether the home can be kept cool and where people could go if it cannot. The central message is to make a workable household plan before an emergency, rather than wait until services are disrupted.