Baked beans, long-life milk, canned tuna, batteries and toilet paper are among the everyday essentials households are being encouraged to keep on hand before disaster strikes.
Woolworths has introduced emergency-preparedness checklists at stores across Queensland, encouraging customers to get their homes ready for severe weather that could trigger power cuts, interrupt water or gas supplies and leave communities isolated.
The supermarket chain is working with Get Ready Queensland to display the checklists in stores, helping families assemble a three- to five-day emergency kit ahead of cyclone, flood, storm and bushfire seasons.
Building a kit gradually throughout the year can help avoid last-minute panic buying, particularly if roads are blocked or local supermarkets and pharmacies become inaccessible.
‘Have you noticed the emergency kit section at your local Woolies? When you next do your weekly shop, add something to your trolley, such as batteries for a torch or radio,’ a Get Ready Queensland spokesperson said.
‘Adding one item at a time is a simple way to prepare over time. It is also one of the easiest ways to build a kit without having to cover the entire cost at once.’
Although the initiative is currently running in Queensland, shoppers in other states agreed that every household should have emergency supplies ready for unexpected events.
‘This should be available in every Woolworths store — great idea,’ one person wrote.
Woolworths is introducing emergency kit checklists across Queensland, encouraging households to prepare for severe weather that could cut power, disrupt water and gas services or leave residents isolated
Store your emergency supplies in an airtight container so they are protected and ready to use when dangerous weather arrives.
The Queensland government recommends considering what every member of your household would need to remain at home for three days. Pets should be included in those plans.
‘Consider your circumstances and assemble a kit tailored to the needs of your household,’ the government advised.
People living in rural or remote locations, or in areas vulnerable to prolonged isolation, may need to prepare enough supplies to last beyond three days.
Isolation can occur when an entire community is cut off, potentially limiting access to essentials such as food, water and prescription medicines.
Woolworths has partnered with Get Ready Queensland to display in-store checklists designed to help households prepare three- to five-day emergency kits before cyclone, flood, storm and bushfire seasons
A basic emergency kit should contain first-aid supplies, toiletries, a can opener, important documents, bottled water, non-perishable food, a phone and portable charger, wipes, durable gloves, a battery-powered radio, hand sanitiser, a torch, tissues and spare batteries.
A more comprehensive kit may also include pet supplies, tarpaulins and rope, spare clothing, baby products, safety glasses, a whistle, warm blankets, bedding, prescription medication, cash, a gas-powered stove, a safety knife and cooking equipment.
‘Store your kit in a strong, waterproof container and keep it somewhere safe that is easy to reach,’ the Queensland government said.
‘Keep it away from young children, and check it regularly for items that have been used or passed their expiry dates.’
If severe weather forces an evacuation, keep an emergency bag packed and ready to take with you at short notice.
That bag should contain first-aid supplies, important documents, heavy-duty gloves, canned or packaged food, batteries, a radio, a can opener, tissues, bottled water, cash, baby supplies, a face mask, books and games, a sleeping bag, spare clothes, hand sanitiser, medication, a torch, toiletries, phone chargers and power banks.
