Renters may not control the building, gutters or common property, but they can control their supplies, documents, medicines, communications and exit plan. Pack for the people and pets in your household, then adapt the kit to the risks at your address.
In this guide 9 sections
No product recommendation: The useful kit is the one your household can reach, lift and maintain. This guide does not promote a pre-packed emergency kit or affiliate offer.
Emergency information: Follow official warnings and emergency services. Call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies. The Queensland SES number for storm and flood assistance is 132 500.
Use the current five-day checklist
The 2026 Get Ready Queensland emergency kit checklist specifies supplies for at least five days. An older Queensland Government flood page still describes a three-day kit. This guide follows the newer five-day checklist and treats five days as the preparation target.
- Water and non-perishable food for every household member.
- First aid supplies, face masks, medications and essential toiletries.
- Mobile phone chargers, power bank, torches, spare batteries and battery radio.
- Protected documents, emergency contacts and spare cash.
- Work gloves, rubbish bags, basic tools, tarpaulin and rope.
- Weatherproof clothing, bedding and household-specific aids.
- Baby, disability, medical and pet supplies where needed.
Water and food
The current Queensland checklist specifies a minimum of 10 litres of drinking water per person for five days, plus five days of non-perishable food. Household needs vary, especially for heat, medical needs, babies and pets.
- Choose food that can be eaten without refrigeration and include a manual can opener where required.
- Rotate normal pantry items rather than buying food that will be forgotten until it expires.
- Store water and food away from chemicals and above likely water entry.
- If using a gas stove, follow the manufacturer's directions and never use it in an unsafe or unventilated place.
Power, light and trusted information
Pack a torch with spare batteries, a charged power bank and a battery-powered radio. Keep charging cables together in a clearly marked pouch. Test the radio and torches rather than assuming stored batteries still work.
Save emergency contacts and warning sources before the weather changes. Mobile networks and internet services can become unreliable, so do not rely on a single device or online-only record.
Protect the documents a renter may need
- Photo identification and Medicare details.
- Contents, vehicle and other insurance policy details.
- Tenancy agreement, managing party contact and emergency repair contact.
- Medication list, prescriptions and medical alerts.
- Emergency contacts and an agreed meeting point.
- Pet identification, vaccination and medication details.
- Secure backup copies on a USB or online account you can access away from home.
Get Ready Queensland recommends keeping paper copies in a waterproof wallet or storing digital copies securely, with a plan for access if the internet is unavailable.
A rental-specific preparation plan
- Know the address risks. Check local flood information and the routes you would use if roads close.
- Know who manages what. Save the property manager or owner's emergency repair contact and the body corporate contact if applicable.
- Report building problems early. Use the normal emergency or routine repair process for leaks, failed drainage, unsafe windows or electrical damage.
- Keep the kit portable. Several smaller tubs or bags may be safer than one container nobody can lift.
- Choose a storage point. Keep supplies easy to reach, away from a basement or low cupboard that could flood.
- Plan for access controls. Know how you will leave if lifts stop, garage doors lose power or common areas close.
- Protect evidence. Photograph belongings and keep receipts or an inventory to support an insurance claim.
Pets, medicines and household needs
Include at least five days of pet food and water, bowls, leads, carriers, medication and familiar bedding. Check identification details and identify places that can accommodate animals if you must leave.
The current Queensland checklist recommends a week's supply of essential prescription and over-the-counter medication where possible. Speak with a pharmacist or health professional about safe storage and replacement timing for medicines with special requirements.
Floodwater is not a shortcut
Queensland Government guidance is direct: never drive, swim or wade through floodwater. Identify alternative routes and evacuation information before conditions deteriorate. Continue monitoring official warnings and local media.
Move portable valuables and the emergency kit higher when it is safe to do so. Do not enter a dangerous area, touch damaged electrical equipment or attempt a repair outside your skills.
Check the kit, do not just store it
| When | Check |
|---|---|
| Before storm season | Food, water, prescriptions, batteries, contacts, insurance and household changes. |
| Every three months | Power banks, torches, radio, expiry dates and container condition. |
| After using anything | Replace it immediately and recharge devices. |
| After moving | Update address risks, routes, managing party contacts and kit location. |
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I store?
The 2026 Get Ready Queensland checklist specifies at least five days and a minimum of 10 litres of drinking water per person. Add household-specific and pet needs.
Where should a renter store an emergency kit?
Choose a safe, easy-to-reach point above likely water entry. Use portable tubs or bags that members of the household can lift and take.
What documents should I protect?
Protect identification, insurance, tenancy contacts, medication information, emergency contacts and important household records in a waterproof wallet with secure backup copies.
Should renters check contents insurance?
Yes. Get Ready Queensland specifically advises renters to check contents insurance. Keep the policy and claim contact details with your protected records.
Keep moving documents together too
If you are preparing to leave a rental, the TenantTools moving timeline keeps cleaning, evidence, services and handover tasks in one sequence.
Open the moving-out timelineGeneral information only: Follow current warnings, evacuation directions and product instructions. Verify emergency contacts and local risks for your address. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.