Short answer. Australia's official kit lists, the national Get Ready magnet and Queensland's "Pack a kit" checklist, ask for water (at least 3 litres per person per day; a minimum of 10 litres per person for three days in Queensland), non-perishable food and a can opener, a battery-operated radio, torches and spare batteries, a first aid kit and medicines, a charged power pack, toiletries, and copies of important documents 12.
What is on the official Australian kit list?
Every line below comes from the Get Ready magnet (getready.gov.au, produced by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority) 1 or from Queensland's "Pack a kit" checklist 2. Quantities are the official ones; "not specified" means the source gives none.
| Item | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Water | At least 3 litres per person, per day | 1 |
| Water for three days | Minimum 10 litres of drinking water per person | 2 |
| Non-perishable food and a can opener | Three-day menu plan for the household | 12 |
| Clothes | Not specified | 1 |
| Woollen blankets | Not specified | 1 |
| Toiletries and toilet paper (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene products, sunscreen, insect repellent) | Enough for three days | 12 |
| Sunscreen and hand sanitiser | Enough hand sanitiser for each household member | 12 |
| Medicines and a first aid kit, with a first aid manual | 1 kit | 12 |
| Battery-operated radio | 1 | 12 |
| Torch (or two) or battery-powered lantern, and spare batteries | Enough batteries to last three days | 12 |
| Mobile phone, spare charger and fully charged portable battery or power pack | 1 each | 12 |
| Important documents (copies), plus a USB with scanned documents, contacts and photos | Not specified | 12 |
| Sturdy work gloves | 1 pair | 2 |
| Tissues and wipes | Enough for each household member | 2 |
| Face masks | Enough for each household member | 2 |
| If you need to leave: valuables, cash and bank cards, medicine | Not specified | 1 |
How long should the kit last?
Queensland's checklist plans for three days at home, and more days if you live in a rural or remote area or are at risk of extended isolation 2. The Get Ready magnet gives no number of days 1. More detail is on Australia emergency supplies.
How should I store and check the kit?
Queensland advises keeping the kit in a strong waterproof container somewhere easy to reach, away from young children, and checking it regularly for used items and expiry dates 2.
Which items need extra thought?
- Medicines and first aid: see What should be in a home first-aid kit? and preparedness for children, seniors and people on medication.
- Documents: see Which documents and how much cash to keep for an emergency?.
- Radio and power: see Which radio and alerts do you need when networks are down? and How do you prepare for a long power outage?.
- Pets: the official lists do not cover them; see How do I prepare my pet for an emergency?.
What about a ready-made kit?
Phaenyx describes its own emergency kit elsewhere on this site. Whatever you choose, compare it line by line with the official list above, which is the reference for Australia, and add what your household needs, such as personal medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official emergency kit checklist in Australia?
Yes. The Get Ready magnet at getready.gov.au and Queensland's "Pack a kit" checklist are official lists 12.
How much water goes in an Australian emergency kit?
At least 3 litres per person per day 1, or a minimum of 10 litres per person for three days in Queensland 2.
Do I need face masks in my kit?
Queensland's checklist includes face masks for each household member 2.
What do I take if I have to leave?
The Get Ready magnet adds valuables, cash and bank cards, and medicine 1.
Sources
- Get Ready (Queensland Reconstruction Authority), getready.gov.au — Get ready for natural hazards – What to pack in your emergency kit (magnet) — https://www.getready.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-05/QETH03549_QRA_CALD%20Get%20Ready_Magnet_Web_FA.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Get Ready Queensland (Queensland Government) — Pack a kit — https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/prepare/kit (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Australia, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Get Ready (Queensland Reconstruction Authority), getready.gov.au · Get ready for natural hazards – What to pack in your emergency kit (magnet) checked 2026-10-20
- Get Ready Queensland (Queensland Government) · Pack a kit checked 2026-10-20