Australia Weather News

Emergency authorities say complacent city dwellers need to learn from their regional cousins and have an emergency kit ready for when a natural disaster strikes, including three days' worth of water.

As the severe weather season continues, emergency services are reminding homeowners that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, even in built-up areas.

Michelle Cull from Queensland Urban Utilities said many city residents were unconcerned as they believed services would be at hand in the event of severe weather.

"If there's a power outage, it does mean you can lose water supply to your home, which is why you need to have your kit ready," Ms Cull said.

"There are boosters and pumps throughout city water networks that need electricity to operate and help push water around the network.

"We have crews on standby 24-7 to respond to issues, but depending on the emergency, it can take longer and that's why we encourage people to have water in their kit."

She said residents needed to remember that water to the home could be cut off for days in major events.

"It's so surprising how many people forget to have water stored in their emergency kit," Ms Cull said.

"They may remember the radio, possibly a torch, but not water."

Put water at the top of the list

The recommended amount of water to have stored in your emergency kit is three days' worth per person.

"That equates to 10 litres of water per person that needs to be stored," Ms Cull said.

"You can buy water from the supermarket that has a shelf life of two years or you can fill up your own containers with tap water."

She said it was essential that people purchased a food-grade jerry can if using water from the home.

"That will keep for about three months, especially if you're using tap water," she said.

"We encourage people to refresh the supply, if storing [it] in your own containers. Just remember not to waste the water and tip it on your garden or on your pot plants.

"It's important that you store the water in a clean, dry area away from sunlight and chemicals."

Could you cope for three days?

Brisbane City SES Unit officer Travis Bell said city residents being cut off from water or supplies, or becoming isolated during a weather event, was always a possibility.

"If the worst happens, you can be cut [off] from [the] usual services; it can happen easily, even in the big cities," he said.

"There are cities like Brisbane that often need [a] resupply due to floodwaters or stormwaters, which can cut them off from food, water or getting to work.

"That's why kits need to last people three days as it can take that long to get to people following a natural disaster."

He said having the recommended supplies, especially when it came to water, could make a real difference in severe weather.

"Besides water, it's also important to think about medication and things like dog food if you have pets at home," Mr Bell said.

"It doesn't take much for these services to be interrupted and by having a three-day supply, especially water, it can really make the difference."

ABC