The Woolworths ’emergency kits’ every home needs: ‘Be prepared’

Baked beans, long-life milk, canned tuna, batteries and toilet paper are among the items to stock up in case disaster strikes.

Woolworths has quietly rolled out emergency kit checklists in stores across Queensland, urging shoppers to prepare their homes for severe weather that could cause power outages, disrupt water and gas supplies or leave them isolated.

The supermarket giant has teamed up with Get Ready Queensland to provide in-store checklist displays to help households build a three-to five-day emergency kit, particularly ahead of cyclone, flood, storm and bushfire seasons.

Stocking your emergency kit year-round eliminates last minute panic buying or you might not be able to get to a supermarket or pharmacy for supplies.

‘Have you spotted the emergency kit section at your local Woolies? Next time you’re doing the weekly shop, add an item to your trolley for your emergency kit, like batteries for your torch and radio,’ a Get Ready Queensland spokesperson said.

‘One item at a time is an easy way to build your kit over time, which is one of the easiest ways to get prepared, and it doesn’t hurt the bank account all at once.’

While the initiative is currently available in Queensland, shoppers from other states said it was still vital to have an emergency kit at home for an unexpected emergency.

‘Need this in all Woolworths – great idea,’ one suggested.

Woolworths has rolled out emergency kit checklists in stores across Queensland, urging shoppers to prepare their homes for severe weather that could cause power outages, disrupt water and gas supplies or leave them isolated

Consider packing an emergency kit in an airtight container so you have everything you need when the weather turns bad.

According to the Queensland government, think about what items everyone in your house might need if you had to stay at home for three days. Don’t forget your pets. 

‘Think about your situation and pack a kit that is right for your household,’ it said.

If you are in a rural or remote area, or you are at risk of extended periods of isolation, you might need to pack supplies for more days. 

Being isolated may include situations where your whole community is cut off, which can affect the availability of supplies in stores, including food, water and prescription medication.

The supermarket giant has teamed up with Get Ready Queensland to provide in-store checklist displays to help households build a three-to five-day emergency kit, particularly ahead of cyclone, flood, storm and bushfire seasons

Your emergency kit should include first aid, toiletries, a can opener, important documents, bottled water, non-perishable food, phone and portable charger, wipes, sturdy gloves, battery-operated radio, hand sanitiser, torch, tissues and batteries.

A larger emergency kit should have pet supplies, tarpaulin and ropes, spare clothes, baby supplies, safety glasses, whistle, warm blankets, bedding, prescribed medication, cash, gas powered stove, safety knife, and cooking equipment. 

‘Keep your kit in a strong waterproof storage container and store it in a safe place in your home that you can get to easily,’ the Queensland government advised.

‘It is a good idea to keep it away from young children, and check your kit regularly for used items and expiry dates.’

If you need to evacuate during severe weather, make sure you have an emergency bag on hand so you can take it with you in a hurry. 

The bag should include first aid, important documents, thick gloves, canned or packaged food, batteries, radio, can opener, tissues, bottled water, cash, baby supplies, face mask, books and games, sleeping bag, spare clothes, hand sanitiser, medication, torch, toiletries, phone chargers and power banks.