Australia’s unique geography means we face some of the world’s most intense natural hazards. From the devastating bushfires to destructive cyclones, nature regularly reminds us that emergency preparedness isn’t optional. That’s why the Australian Government recommends every household maintains enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
A well-planned emergency kit is more than just supplies in a box. It’s your family’s insurance policy against uncertainty, your bridge between the moment disaster strikes and when things go back to normal. It’s the difference between managing a crisis and enduring a catastrophe when you may need to leave your home quickly in the event of an emergency.
What is a 72 Hour Kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit is a collection of supplies designed to sustain your family for three days during an emergency, whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place at home. The 72-hour timeframe reflects the typical duration before professional help becomes widely available following a major emergency. During this window, emergency services are often overwhelmed responding to the most urgent situations, making self-sufficiency essential until the coast is clear.
Rather than keeping everything in one container, it’s best to maintain separate kits for different situations. Consider a comprehensive 72 hour kit at home for riding out power outages and storms, plus smaller grab-and-go bags for each family member that can be quickly thrown into the car during evacuations.
The Complete 72 Hour Emergency Kit List
A 72 hour kit contains supplies to address the four basic survival needs: food, water, shelter, and warmth. To meet these requirements, comprehensive emergency kit contents should include the following things you need:
Food and Water for Emergencies
Water is most critical; store at least approximately 4 litres of water per person per day. Consider water purification tablets or a portable water filter as backups. For food, focus on non-perishable items that require minimal preparation:
- Canned foods (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish)
- Protein bars and energy bars
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Crackers and biscuits
- Instant noodles or soup packets
- Baby food and formula (if needed)
- Pet food for any pets
Store your food in waterproof containers to protect against moisture and pests. Also pack a can opener and disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
Basic Clothing
The clothes on your back might be all you’re wearing when an emergency strikes. Having spare clothing ready means you won’t face evacuation unprepared. Make sure to include:
- Sturdy shoes
- Extra socks
- Underwear
- Rain gear and waterproof clothing
- Extra clothes for each family member
Hygiene Supplies
Clean water for washing can be scarce or non-existent during emergencies. Make sure you include these hygiene supplies to prevent infection and illness:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Soap and shampoo
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Personal medications
- Feminine hygiene products
Survival Gear and Shelter
Australian emergency services often advise people to leave early, but road closures, fallen trees, or sudden weather changes can strand you between home and safety. Make sure you’re prepared by including:
- An emergency blanket
- A tent
- Tarps
- Heat blankets
- Multi-tool or knife
- Rope and duct tape
- Plastic sheeting
- Work gloves
Communication Devices and Information
Mobile towers often fail during major weather, and landlines may be cut. Battery-powered alternatives become your only link to emergency updates and family coordination. Back up communication equipment includes:
- Emergency radio (crank-powered or battery-operated)
- Mobile phone chargers
- Two-way radios
- Emergency contact information list
- Local emergency service numbers
Lights and Power
Power grids are often the first casualty in severe weather, and restoration can take days or weeks in rural areas. Pack these backups:
- Battery-operated flashlights or headlamps
- Plenty of extra batteries
- Portable power banks
- Candles and waterproof matches
- Solar-powered or hand-crank lights
Important Family Documents
Replacing lost identification and important papers after a disaster can take months and cost hundreds of dollars. When your home is damaged or inaccessible, having copies of these documents can become your lifeline to recovery:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Driver’s licences
- Insurance policies
- Bank account information and credit card details
- Medical information and prescription medication lists
- Emergency contact information
- Maps of your local area and evacuation routes
- Cash in small bills for emergency purchases
Store original documents in a fireproof safe and keep waterproof copies in your emergency kit. Also consider storing digital copies in cloud storage to access them at any time or from any location.
First Aid Kit Essentials
Ambulances may be hours away and hospitals can become overwhelmed or inaccessible. Minor injuries that would normally need a quick trip to the GP can become serious problems without basic medical supplies. Your first aid kit should cover:
- Bandages
- Sterile dressings
- Medical scissors
- Antiseptic wipes and alcohol pads
- Antibiotic ointments
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- A thermometer
- Instant cold packs
- Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Prescription medications
Store your first aid kit in a sturdy, waterproof container so no outside materials can contaminate the medical supplies. Check expiration dates regularly and replace items as needed.
Survival Kit Storage
Store your 72 hour kit in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and away from sources of heat or coldness like your kitchen, as these temperatures can damage their supplies. Instead, keep your kit in central and easily accessed locations like hall cupboards, linen closets, or under the stairs. Avoid keeping it in areas which might be difficult to get to in an emergency, such as basements, garages, or attics.
Keep smaller grab bags in bedrooms or near main exits so they’re accessible even if part of your house becomes blocked. Store vehicle kits in the boot rather than under seats or in the glove box where they can overheat.
Emergency Kit Maintenance
Supplies have expiry dates, batteries lose charge, and your family’s needs change. Without regular checks, you might discover that you’re not as prepared as you thought when a disaster actually strikes. Review your 72 hour kit twice yearly to check for the following:
- Expired food
- Outdated medications
- Worn-out battery devices
- Up to date contact info and ID documents
- Clothing still fits
Community and Government Resources
Your 72 hour kit takes care of your preparation, but recovery takes external support. Getting familiar with what services are available now can speed up your return to normal life later.
State And Territory Apps to Download:
- VicEmergency (Victoria)
- NSW RFS Fires Near Me (New South Wales)
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Alert (Queensland)
- Emergency WA (Western Australia)
- SA CFS (South Australia)
- TFS Tasmania Fire Service (Tasmania)
- ESA ACT Emergency (Australian Capital Territory)
- NTFRS (Northern Territory)
Emergency Services:
- Triple Zero (000) for police, fire, ambulance
- SES: 132 500 for storm and flood assistance
Government Support through Services Australia:
- Disaster Recovery Allowance
- Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Community Resources:
- Find your local evacuation centres by contacting your local council
- Neighbourhood Watch groups
Get Ready for Any Disaster
You can’t predict when a natural disaster will happen. But when you prepare an emergency 72 hour kit, you can decide how well your family handles them.
But survival supplies alone won’t handle every situation you might face. Medical emergencies don’t wait for ambulances to arrive, and knowing how to use your first aid kit properly could save a life. Enrol in a first aid course to ensure you can respond effectively when your family needs you most.
FAQs
Many camping items work well in emergency kits: sleeping bags, portable stoves, water filters, and torches. Camping gear is often more durable than basic emergency supplies, though it may be heavier and more expensive.
Focus on compact, multi-purpose items and utilise under-bed storage, wardrobe space, or balcony storage boxes. Consider sharing bulk purchases with neighbours and storing duplicate kits in your car or workplace.
Hand sanitiser is flammable and should be stored away from heat sources and electronics. Check the alcohol percentage. Products with 60 to 70 percent alcohol are most effective for disinfection but require careful storage.
