Be ready for an emergency evacuation
Advice on how you can prepare to evacuate and what you can expect if you go to an evacuation centre.
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 (at least 3 litres per person, per day)
- items for your pets (see Prepare your pets and livestock for more information).
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.
People living with disability
Your or a member of your household may be less mobile or need extra support to deal with an emergency.
- Leaving early is always the best option.
- Talk with people you trust to plan your evacuation.
- If you have a friend or neighbour who needs assistance, make sure you include them in your plans.
In the case of an emergency, pack and plan:
- medications, medical contacts and documentation
- mobility aids
- items that will comfort and help reduce stress
- items for companion animals or guide dogs.
Consider:
- the accessibility of the safe place you would evacuate to
- personal care assistance and where you can access this.
Pets and livestock
Pets should go with you if you evacuate. Evacuation centres are open to pets.
Find more information on How to prepare pets and livestock.
Livestock may be evacuated to a Livestock Evacuation Centre if there is one in your area. Contact your local council to find out if there is one close to you.
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:
- Rural Fire Service website or
- State Emergency Service website.
Visit How to find an evacuation centre for more on what to expect at an evacuation centre.