Supplies for leaving safely have a different job from equipment used during recovery. Keep them separate so a heavy box of cleaning materials does not replace the essentials you need immediately.
Pack for departure first
Use a bag you can carry, with important contacts, useful documents, necessary medicines, a torch, charging equipment and personal care essentials. Add baby or pet items where needed. Keep last-minute additions listed on top. The bag should support moving to safety and obtaining help, not encourage staying in a hazardous property.
- Check that the bag fits your mobility needs.
- Keep keys and glasses accessible.
Store recovery materials separately
Cleaning supplies may be useful later, but only after the property is cleared for safe access and you have appropriate advice. Keep chemicals in their original packaging and never mix products. Heavy boots, buckets and drying equipment have storage requirements of their own. Do not overload the departure bag with items for a later stage.
- Follow product instructions and storage warnings.
- Keep chemicals away from food and children.
Review access and condition
Store essential items where ordinary leaks or low-level water are less likely to reach them, without putting them beyond safe reach. Check contents periodically and after use. If authorities instruct immediate evacuation, leave without the bag rather than re-entering a dangerous room to fetch it.
- Use a waterproof document wallet where useful.
- Tell trusted household members where the bag is.
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