Ultimate Guide to Evacuation Bag in Australia [PDF Checklist]

What Is an Evacuation Bag? 

Evacuation bags are usually used in emergency evacuation or disaster response scenarios. They refer to a package prepared for emergencies, primarily in response to natural disasters, emergency evacuations, large-scale gatherings, etc. The bag usually contains emergency items to meet individuals' and groups' basic survival and safety needs under specific conditions.

Evacuation bags, such as earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters, are often used in emergency rescue. In these scenarios, evacuation bags can quickly provide the affected people with necessary survival supplies and safety guarantees. In addition, evacuation bags can play an essential role in public safety incidents, major traffic accidents and other occasions where emergency evacuation is required.

In short, evacuation bags are an indispensable part of emergency management, and their role is vital. It can save lives at critical moments and help society respond and recover in an orderly manner in emergencies. 

Why Do You Need an Evacuation Bag?

Evacuation bags are indispensable to ensure personnel safety in various emergencies, such as natural disasters, accidents, public health events, etc.

Ensure the Safety of Personnel's Lives

In emergencies, such as fires and earthquakes, evacuation bags can provide personnel with necessary survival materials and first aid supplies, effectively ensuring the safety of personnel's lives.

Assist Emergency Rescue Work

Evacuation bags usually also contain communication tools, which can contact the outside world in time to assist in emergency rescue work.

Reduce the Risk of Secondary Injuries

In emergencies, secondary injuries may occur during evacuation if personnel do not have proper equipment and material support. This risk can be effectively reduced with the protection and support of evacuation bags.

Promote Rapid Recovery

A fully equipped evacuation bag can assist in post-disaster reconstruction and reduce the losses caused by disasters.

Improve Rescue Efficiency

In emergencies, the timely supply of materials such as communication tools and first aid supplies can significantly improve rescue efficiency and gain valuable time for rescue work.

In summary, evacuation bags are vital in responding to various emergencies. You should fully realise their importance and strengthen their research development and application to meet the challenges of multiple emergencies. 

>>Download The Evacuation Bag Checklist PDF

What Makes a Good Evacuation Bag?

A good evacuation bag must meet the needs of various complex situations and properties.

Content Completeness

A good evacuation bag should contain complete emergency supplies, such as food, water, first aid supplies, protective equipment, etc., to cope with possible evacuation and rescue scenarios. At the same time, the quality of all items should be reliable, and the quantity should be sufficient.

Durability

A high-quality evacuation bag should be highly durable and withstand harsh environmental conditions. The material selection should focus on waterproof, moisture-proof, dust-proof and other characteristics to ensure that it can be used for a long time in an emergency.

Versatility and Customisation

The evacuation bag's design should be versatile enough to meet the needs of various environments and occasions. At the same time, it can also be prepared according to actual needs for specific situations or needs.

Convenience of Use

A good evacuation bag should be portable and convenient to use. It should also be compact and well-structured to quickly prepare and deploy rapidly in an emergency. Also, the access and placement of items should be easy to operate to meet the need for rapid access in emergencies.

Reliability and Cost-Effectiveness

The brand reputation, manufacturing process, and historical records of evacuation bags are also essential criteria for evaluating their quality. While meeting functional requirements, a good evacuation bag should also be highly cost-effective, ensuring performance and quality and controlling it within a reasonable price range.

What to Pack in an Emergency Evacuation Bag?

When natural disasters, emergencies, or sudden incidents occur, adequate evacuation preparation is critical to ensure personnel safety. As an essential part of personal emergency preparation, the rationality and comprehensiveness of the evacuation bag's contents are directly related to survival and self-rescue ability during the evacuation process.  

This section aims to elaborate on a comprehensive evacuation bag list, covering basic survival needs, medical first aid, personal protection, communication, information recording and psychological comfort, and explore the importance of each item and its role in practical application. The following is a detailed classification and description of an emergency evacuation bag list:

1. Basic Survival Items

Essential survival items are the most critical components of an evacuation bag. They are vital in emergencies as they supply the fundamental necessities for sustaining life until assistance arrives, encompassing access to water, food, shelter, first aid, communication, and basic hygiene.  

These items enable individuals to address critical needs such as hydration, nourishment, and injury care in potentially perilous situations where resources may be scarce or inaccessible.

Drinking Water: At least 2 litres of sealed drinking water should be carried to meet the initial drinking water needs. If conditions permit, consider holding a portable water purifier or water purification tablets to deal with insufficient or contaminated water sources.

Food: High-energy, easy-to-carry, and non-refrigerated foods are preferred, such as energy bars, nuts, instant cereals, canned foods, etc.

Flashlights and Spare Batterie: Flashlights are essential lighting tools at night or in low light. Please also carry several spare batteries.

Warm Clothing: As seasonal changes occur, prepare suitable warm clothing, such as down jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, etc., to cope with extreme weather conditions.

Raincoats and Waterproof Bags: Raincoats can provide temporary rain protection, while waterproof bags protect essential items from moisture.

Sleeping Bags or Blankets: During evacuation, sleeping bags or blankets can provide necessary warmth and rest.

2. Medical First Aid Items

Unfortunately, medical first aid items will help you quickly when injured. In an emergency, first aid supplies are essential because they let you treat wounds and illnesses immediately, which can keep things from worsening and even save lives.

First Aid Kit: Generally, a first aid kit contains basic first aid supplies such as Band-Aids, gauze, bandages, alcohol pads, disinfectants, scissors, tweezers, etc., as well as commonly used over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, antibiotic ointments, anti-allergic drugs, etc.

Personal Commonly Used Medicines: According to individual health conditions, carry necessary prescription drugs, chronic disease treatment drugs and particular drugs that may be needed in emergencies.

Masks and Disinfectant Wipes: Masks can prevent inhaling harmful particles, and disinfectant wipes are used to clean and disinfect hands and surfaces.

A first aid kit is helpful because it lets us handle situations immediately. They allow you to quickly treat injuries like cuts, scrapes, bug bites, burns, and broken bones so that the problem doesn't worsen by giving you immediate care and relief.

3. Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect you from environmental damage. It also serves as a primary safeguard for disaster response and recovery personnel against physical, chemical, and biological threats.

Hard Hats: Hard hats can protect the head when falling objects or building collapses occur.

Dust Masks or Gas Masks: Provide respiratory protection in cases of fire, chemical leaks, etc.

Protective Glasses: Prevent splashes or harmful gases from causing damage to the eyes.

Multi-function Knives or Multi-function Tools: In emergencies, they can be used for cutting, opening cans, repairing, and other purposes.

PPE creates a physical barrier between the person wearing it and dangerous substances, such as chemicals, debris, bodily fluids, or high temperatures. This prevents the person from coming into direct contact with these substances and lowers the risk of exposure.

PPE can significantly lower the risk of infections, injuries, and illnesses during emergencies by protecting the body's weak spots, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, and hands.

4. Communication Items

When you urgently need rescue help, communication items will be the most valuable tools. Correct information can save lives and reassure people that the reaction and recovery process is underway. Getting information out to the public during an emergency is essential for many reasons. It can protect people from harm and save lives.

Mobile Phones and Chargers for maintaining communication with the outside world while ensuring the mobile phone is fully charged.

Power Banks or Stations: Provide additional power support for mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Spare Batteries: As mentioned above, prepare spare batteries for other electronic devices that may be needed.

Emergency Contact Cards: Record the information of important contacts such as family, friends, and emergency agencies so they can be contacted quickly in an emergency.

Maps and Compasses: When electronic devices cannot be used, maps and compasses are essential tools for navigation and positioning.

Communication tools are essential in emergencies as they facilitate the prompt dissemination of critical information, enable coordinated response actions, reduce harm, guide evacuations, and ensure public safety by averting panic, all of which can save lives; thus, effective communication serves as the cornerstone for crisis management and recovery initiatives.

In summary, a comprehensive evacuation bag should cover basic survival needs, medical first aid, personal protection, communication, information recording, and psychological comfort.

Scientific and reasonable configuration, regular inspection, and updates can ensure that the evacuation bag plays a vital role in critical moments. In addition, a more accurate and personalised evacuation bag configuration plan can be formulated based on actual conditions.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Emergencies

An evacuation or " go bag" is a vital emergency preparedness tool that includes food, water, first aid, and tools. To improve your preparedness, add a Jackery Portable Power Station to your kit, which guarantees you can charge phones, radios, or flashlights, keeping you informed and connected during emergencies.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. These generators can use the sun's energy now that Jackery Solar Panels are added. This makes them an eco-friendly power source for the beautiful Australian scenery.

Jackery Portable Power Stations offers more charging options, including solar panels, carports, and AC adapters. Its multiple ports allow it to charge several electronics and devices at once.                           

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

Go with the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable electricity Station for uninterrupted electricity during emergencies. Its UPS feature guarantees a changeover time of less than 20 ms, offering dependable backup for necessary devices such as CPAP machines and computers. Its 800W power and 632Wh capacity make it suitable for indoor or outdoor uses.

With quick charging capabilities, such as a one-hour Emergency Super Charging Mode, the Explorer 600 Plus is a lifesaver in emergencies. For example, several hours or days before, you may receive warnings of certain disasters ahead. Then, plug in to charge this power station, and you will have over 600W power to charge necessary electronics and devices.  

With 4000 cycles, the LFP battery guarantees steady performance for more than 10 years of operation. With its silent operation mode (≤22dB) and shockproof and fireproof construction, the Explorer 600 Plus was designed with safety in mind and is a reliable and secure option for any emergency.  

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various emergencies, such as power outages, cyclones, storms, and more.  

Featuring a 288Wh capacity and 300W power output, the Explorer 300 Plus can run essential devices like smartphones, radios, lights, and more. The dual USB-C ports provide up to 100W of power each, simultaneously enabling quick and efficient charging for multiple devices. Four charging options—solar panels, car adapters, AC wall outlets, and USB-C—ensure you're never out of power, regardless of location.

This power station is built to last and be safe. With over 3,000 charge cycles and an impressive 10-year lifespan, its LFP battery is a wise long-term investment. Its 52 layers of ChargeShield Technology protect against short circuits, overvoltage, and other hazards. The Explorer 300 Plus is also whisper-quiet and emission-free, guaranteeing an eco-friendly experience without sacrificing functionality. This power station offers convenience and peace of mind in an emergency.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Tips for Preparing an Evacuation Bag

An evacuation bag is one of the essential survival tools. Preparing a fully functional evacuation bag will significantly increase your chances of survival in a critical moment. Here are some tips for preparing an evacuation bag:

Understand Evacuation Needs

Before you start preparing, you need to clarify your evacuation needs. Determine the necessary items based on your and your family's specific conditions (for example, age, health status, etc.), including food, water, clothing, medical supplies, etc.

Choose the Right Container

Choose a container of the right size as the base of the evacuation bag. The container needs to be waterproof, durable and easy to carry. Consider using a backpack or a backpack to facilitate carrying in an emergency.

Purchase and Organise Items

Go to regular stores to purchase items according to your needs, such as food and drinking water, medical supplies, daily necessities, important documents, etc. When buying food and drinking water, it is recommended that you choose canned food and mineral water with a long shelf life. Classify the items that must be put into the evacuation bag according to their frequency of use and importance and place them reasonably in the evacuation bag.

Learn Relevant Knowledge and Skills

Be familiar with evacuation routes and emergency knowledge, and understand how to respond quickly and use the items in the evacuation bag in an emergency. You can participate in relevant training courses or refer to appropriate materials to learn relevant knowledge.

How Do You Prepare For an Emergency?

When faced with an emergency, it is crucial to respond quickly and effectively. Generally, you must understand the different types of emergencies to prepare accordingly.

Step 1: Stay Calm

Staying calm is the priority in an emergency. Emotional stability helps to make correct decisions and judgments. In chaos and panic, it is easy to make wrong decisions, leading to further deterioration.

Step 2: Quick Assessment

It is critical to assess the situation and determine your position quickly. Determine if there is potential danger and understand what actions need to be taken to ensure your safety and that of others. Pack the evacuation bag and charge the power station, such as the Jackery Portable Power Station. For example, in a fire, you should quickly find a safe exit and understand whether to call the police or evacuate.

Step 4: Take Action

Based on the assessment results, take appropriate actions. Find the evacuation bag prepared in advance, use the items in the bag according to the actual situation, and discard some of the items in the evacuation bag if necessary. In a fire, you should use a fire extinguisher or evacuation route; in a traffic accident, you should immediately call the emergency number and assist the injured.

Step 5: Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with others is critical in an emergency. Communicate with other affected people or rescuers to solve problems together. Teamwork can help us respond to emergencies more effectively and reduce losses.

Evacuation Bag FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about evacuation bags in Australia.

1. Do the items in the evacuation bag need to be updated?

When considering the issue of updating the items in the evacuation bag, it is necessary to clarify the evacuation bag's importance and timeliness. Supplies such as food and water should be checked regularly, and expired items should be replaced to ensure effectiveness. At the same time, according to the type of disaster and possible emergencies, other supplies, such as medical supplies and shelter tools, must be updated promptly.  

2. Is putting more items in an evacuation bag better?

The primary purpose of an evacuation bag is to provide rapid and safe evacuation for personnel in emergencies, such as fires and earthquakes. The key lies in the practicality and effectiveness of the items, not the quantity. Too many items may increase the weight of the evacuation bag and cause inconvenience during emergency evacuation due to excessive load or complex internal structure. 

Therefore, the appropriate amount of evacuation supplies should be scientifically selected to ensure that they can meet safety needs without hindering the rapid evacuation of personnel. It is in line with the scientific principles of emergency evacuation management.

3. Where should the evacuation bag be stored?

Evacuation bags are essential tools for evacuating people in emergencies, and their storage location should take into account safety and accessibility. Generally speaking, evacuation bags should be stored in conspicuous and easily accessible places. Commonly recommended storage locations include:

Safe areas inside buildings include corridors, stairwells, or near emergency exits.

Evacuation bags can be stored near shelters or safe rooms for quick access by people in emergencies.

Considering the actual environment, the storage location should avoid places with safety hazards such as moisture and susceptibility to fire.

In summary, the storage location of the evacuation bag should be evaluated and selected by professionals based on actual conditions to ensure that it can be quickly found and used in an emergency. In addition, all relevant personnel should understand the storage location and use of the evacuation bag to take quick action when necessary.

Final Thoughts

In summary, evacuation bags are vital in responding to emergencies and disasters. Evacuation bags can provide essential life support and survival guarantees for disaster-stricken people, avoiding further damage and losses caused by disasters.

Secondly, the timely distribution and use of evacuation bags can improve rescue efficiency and reduce the work pressure of rescuers. Please follow the suggestions in this article and prepare an evacuation bag that meets your needs to protect your safety at critical moments.