Your Step-by-Step Evacuation Plan for Emergencies
(Free Emergency Plan Included)
Why Every Australian Household Needs an Evacuation Plan
Have you ever asked yourself: “If I had to leave my home in 5 minutes, what would I actually do?”
It’s a confronting thought, but it’s one every Australian household needs to prepare for, especially during storm and bushfire season. Having a clear emergency evacuation plan can be the difference between chaos and calm when the unexpected happens.
At PrepMates, we believe preparedness isn’t about fear, it’s about confidence. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to building your own evacuation plan, plus a free emergency plan template you can download and use with your family today.
Step 1: Know Your Risks
Every community faces different threats like bushfires, floods, cyclones, and blackouts.
Start by checking your local council’s emergency management page (e.g., Queensland Government Emergency Services) or your state’s fire authority such as the NSW RFS Bushfire Survival Plan.
👉 Ask yourself: If a fire front moved toward my street, where would I go first?
Step 2: Set Your Meeting Points
Choose:
-
A safe local meeting spot (like a nearby park, school, or community centre).
-
An out-of-area contact (a relative or friend outside your region who can confirm everyone is safe).
Write these down in your plan. In an emergency, memory fails, but a written plan won’t.
Step 3: Pack an Emergency Kit
Your kit should cover at least 72 hours of essentials for every family member. Include:
-
First aid
-
Drinking water & filtration
-
Torch, radio, power bank
-
Shelter (blankets, ponchos, tent)
-
Personal items (medications, masks, gloves)
👉 Not sure where to start? PrepMates has ready-made kits, like our
4-person Emergency Kit, designed to cover all disaster scenarios in Australia.
Step 4: Plan for Pets & Vulnerable Family Members
Don’t forget pets, elderly relatives, infants or anyone with special needs.
Add:
-
Spare leads, carriers, or food for animals
-
Medical supplies and mobility aids for people with health needs
-
Nappies, wipes and formula for babies
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof pouch
Step 5: Practice Your Plan
A plan only works if you use it. Run a quick drill once or twice a year:
-
Pretend you’re leaving in 5 minutes.
-
Grab your kit, gather your family, head to your meeting point.
-
Review what slowed you down and improve it.
Step 6: Keep It Updated
Life changes fast.. new address, new pets, kids growing up.
Review your plan every 6–12 months and update your kit so it stays ready.
Free Emergency Plan Template
PrepMates has put together a free, easy-to-use Emergency Plan Template to get you started. Print it, fill it in with your household, and keep it somewhere visible.
👉 [Download Your Free Emergency Plan Here]
The Bottom Line
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. With a step-by-step plan and the right gear, you can leave quickly, safely, and with confidence.
At PrepMates, whether you’re building your own kit or need a ready-made solution for any emergency, we’ve got ya back!
FAQ: Emergency Evacuation Plans in Australia
1. What should I pack in a bushfire or storm evacuation kit?
Your bushfire kit should include first aid, water, a battery or crank-powered radio, torches, blankets, ponchos, face masks, matches, and personal items like medication.
Your storm kit should include first aid supplies, drinking water, a reliable light source (torches, glow sticks, or lanterns), a crank or battery-powered radio, power banks, blankets or ponchos, face masks, waterproof matches, and essential personal items like medications.
👉 Check out our PrepMates 2–Person Buddy Kit, 4–Person Crew Kit, and the Ultimate Storm Bucket, our ready-made solutions packed with the essentials you’ll need to stay safe, connected, and comfortable during severe storms and disasters.
2. How much water should I store for emergencies?
The Red Cross recommends at least 3 litres per person, per day for a minimum of 3 days.
👉 See the Australian Red Cross Emergency Kit Guide.
3. Where can I find my local Emergency risk information?
Each state has its own fire and emergency service:
-
QLD: Get Ready QLD
-
NT: ABC Emergency
- WA: WA Government
4. What about pets in an evacuation?
Plan ahead with leads, carriers, food, and water for pets. Don’t leave animals behind.
👉 See the RSPCA Pets in Emergencies Guide.
5. How often should I practice my evacuation plan?
At least once a year, ideally before bushfire and storm season. Families with children or elderly members may benefit from practicing twice a year.
👉 Use our Free Emergency Plan Template to run a household drill.
6. Should I make different kits for different emergencies?
Yes. A bushfire kit may differ from a flood kit or blackout kit. Having the right gear for the right emergency means you won’t be caught off guard.
👉 Explore the PrepMates range here.