What you need in your emergency kit for cyclones and severe weather

A flood emergency kit should contain supplied to last at least three days.(ABC News: Alice Pavlovic)

Be prepared for severe weather well before it arrives. In big storms and cyclones, you'll need to think about possible flooding, power outages and water supply issues.

Your survival kit will be unique to your situation. If you're a family with babies or small children, if you have an existing medical condition or a disability, you should consider what you're going to need when putting a cyclone emergency kit together.

Basic items include in your kit:

Radio — Battery-powered, wind-up or solar-powered radio. Mark the dial with the frequencies of ABC Radio in your area.
Light — A waterproof torch is good. It's worth having a second one that doesn't need batteries, plus candles with waterproof matches or glow sticks.
Drinking water — You'll need around 10 litres per person to last three days.
Food — Dried and long-life food to last three days, including some utensils.
Batteries — Spares for all devices (check batteries every six months).
Toiletries — Soap, toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitiser, baby and/or alcohol wipes, toothpaste, sanitary items and face masks.
Fun stuff — Books and games.
Cash — Enough to meet basic needs for a few days.
First-aid kit — Check for missing items and that products have not expired.
Photographs of valuable household items.
Pet essentials — What does your pet need to keep them comfortable? Make sure they are microchipped and their vaccinations are up to date too.
Special medical supplies or equipment — Include their uses and dosage amounts and copies of prescriptions.
Waterproof bags — To protect valuable items like wallets, identification and documents (hard copies such as prescriptions and insurance details or digital versions copied onto a hard drive).
Your written cyclone and flood emergency survival plan — This should include contact numbers of family or neighbours. Red Cross Australia's Get Ready app can help you build your own plan on your phone.
Protective blankets and clothing suitable for a cyclone emergency — Like long-sleeved natural-fibre shirts and warmer clothes to protect from wind and rain, protective footwear or rubber boots in flood areas. Sunscreen, insect repellent and wide-brimmed hats are also useful.

Set a yearly reminder on your phone or calendar to check your emergency kit.

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