Personal emergency plans

It can be difficult to think clearly in an extreme emergency such as a house fire or flash flood. Developing a Personal Emergency Plan is one way you can be better prepared for such a situation. This can help you identify in advance escape routes from your home; important documents, medications and possessions you would take, if possible; and who you would need to contact.

You should think about what sort of emergency you might be likely to face in your home, local community, workplace and the areas you regularly visit. This will help you best plan what you need to do, depending on the circumstances - for instance, whether it is a flood or a house fire. emergencyNSW provides a range of advice and information you can incorporate in your plan.

Basic emergency plan

• Identify meeting places for everyone in your household - one close to your home and one further away from home in case you are unable to return to your neighbourhood.
  
  
• Create a contact list, including details of all family members/carers and people close-by and out of town.
  
  
• Inform schools and child care authorities of people who are permitted to pick up your children if you are unable to do so.
  
  
• Create a home evacuation plan. Draw a floor plan of your home, marking up the primary escape route, secondary escape routes, the location of equipment and medications you need and a central meeting place outside your home (eg letterbox). Give a copy of your evacuation plan to the relevant people and keep a copy on your fridge. Practice your evacuation plan with the relevant people.
  
  
• Develop a plan for family pets and livestock  - animals may not be allowed into evacuation shelters.
  
  
• Identify the kinds of emergencies that could impact on you. Find out if your home is in an area that is at risk of natural disasters such as severe storms, floods, or bushfire. Find out what you can do to prepare for these events and what to do if you are affected by one of these emergencies.
  
  
• Identify the location of your electricity box, gas and water valves and fire extinguisher.