Checklist – Go Bag – GeelongSearch — Your Local Readiness Hub

Storm & heavy rain readiness – Greater Geelong

Prepare your home, power, family and storm go-bag for wind, hail, flash flooding and outages.

Storm checklist – home, roof, power & safety

Start here before storm season or as soon as warnings are issued for Greater Geelong.

Gutters, downpipes and drains cleared of leaves and debris
Roof checked from ground for lifted tiles, sheets or flashing
Loose outdoor items tied down or stored (furniture, pots, toys, tools)
Trees and overhanging branches trimmed away from roof and windows
Sump drains and grates around house cleared so water flows away
Smoke alarms tested and batteries replaced if needed
A safe internal room chosen away from big windows
Torches, spare batteries and power banks stored in one known spot
Fridge and freezer plan ready (short openings, use ice bricks/cooler)
Surge protection discussed with electrician for key appliances

Storm go-bag – quick grab kit for outages & damage

Pack this small bag so you can move safely around the home or leave briefly if needed.

Torch or headlamp for each adult
Fully charged power bank and phone cables
Basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relief)
Printed list of key phone numbers and policy details
Spare glasses or contact lenses if needed
Small supply of regular medications
Snacks that don’t need cooking (muesli bars, nuts, tins)
Light rain jacket and warm layer for each person

Bushfire & grassfire readiness – home & escape

Prepare for hot, windy days, ember attack and fast-moving grassfires around Greater Geelong.

Bushfire checklist – property, ember proofing & plan

Use this on high-risk fire days and during summer to keep your home and plan ready.

Gutters cleared and leaf litter removed around house edges
Long grass slashed and fine fuels reduced in the first 20–30 metres
Firewood stacks, timber and flammable junk moved away from walls
Gaps under doors, eaves and around vents reduced where practical
Garden layout checked so driveways and exits are kept clear
Fire danger ratings and local warnings followed on high-risk days
Clear plan for when to leave early on dangerous fire days
Family meeting point chosen away from the highest-risk areas
Pets and livestock plan in place for hot, windy fire days
Important documents and backups stored together for quick grab

Bushfire go-bag – leave early bag for hot, windy days

Pack this bag so you can leave early on high-risk days and be self-sufficient for a while.

Change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person
P2/N95 masks and eye protection for smoke and dust
Printed list of contacts, meeting point and escape routes
Chargers, power bank and spare batteries
Regular medications and copies of key prescriptions
Water bottles and non-perishable snacks
Small first-aid kit and basic hygiene items
USB stick or drive with scans of key documents
Leads, carrier or harness for pets and their food

These storm and bushfire checklists are general information only. Always follow the advice of
official emergency services and local authorities for your area.