GRAB BAG: The first two days, especially, is critical to prepare for and be self-reliant since there may be power outages, water and sewerage failures, road closures, communication blackouts and limited access to shops, cash, or medical care.

Grab Bag

Prepare a small bag with essentials you can take if you need to leave quickly — identification, medications, a torch, snacks, and copies of important documents.

A grab bag is your leave‑now kit - the one thing you take when you have seconds to evacuate. A well‑prepared grab bag keeps you safe, warm, informed, and able to move quickly until you reach shelter or reconnect with others.

1. Choose the right bag

Use a sturdy backpack that’s comfortable to carry long distances.

Ensure it has:

Padded straps
Multiple compartments
Weather‑resistant material
Each person should ideally have their own bag, including children (scaled to their ability).

2. Pack the essential categories

A good grab bag covers survival, communication, warmth, health, and identity.

A. Water and food

1–2 litres of water per person
High‑energy, long‑lasting snacks:
Muesli bars
Nuts
Dried fruit
Chocolate
Baby food or formula if needed
Pet snacks if evacuating with animals

B. Light and power

Torch or headlamp
Spare batteries
Power bank (fully charged)
Phone charging cable

C. Clothing and warmth

Warm layer (fleece or wool)
Waterproof jacket
Hat and gloves
Emergency foil blanket
Sturdy walking shoes (if not worn daily)

D. Health and hygiene

Small first aid kit
Prescription medications + copy of prescriptions
Hand sanitiser
Wet wipes
Tissues
Sanitary products
Dust mask (P2/N95)
Sunscreen
Lip balm

E. Documents and money

Copies of:

ID (passport, driver licence)
Medical info
Insurance details
Emergency contacts
USB drive with important digital copies
Cash (EFTPOS may be down)

F. Tools and practical items

Whistle
Multi‑tool or small knife
Duct tape (small roll)
Permanent marker
Zip‑lock bags
Small rope or paracord
Local map (paper)
Notepad + pen

G. Personal needs

Glasses or spare contacts
Hearing aid batteries
Mobility aids (compact versions if possible)
Comfort item for children
Pet leash, collapsible bowl, waste bags

3. Add svacuation‑specific items

These help you leave quickly and safely:

Copy of your household emergency plan
List of “grab‑on‑the‑way” items (e.g., laptop, hard drive, sentimental items)
Checklist of actions before leaving:
Turn off power
Turn off water
Secure pets
Lock doors

4. Keep it lightweight and portable

A grab bag should be easy to carry for at least 30–60 minutes.

Avoid overpacking.
Prioritise essentials over comfort items.
Test the weight—aim for under 10 kg for most adults.

5. Maintain and refresh regularly

Replace food and water every 6–12 months.
Update documents when they change.
Check batteries and power banks.
Adjust contents for:
New babies
New pets
Seasonal weather
Medical changes

6. Prepare one bag per person

Each household member should have:

Their own clothing
Their own medications
Their own water and snacks
Items appropriate to their age and needs

Shared items (radio, tools, documents) can go in one adult’s bag.