How to build a simple home emergency plan
A practical plan for Australian households: shutoffs, contacts, a go-bag and the details you need ready before a leak, lockout, power fault or storm.
Key takeaways
- Everyone in the home should know where the water, power and gas controls are.
- Keep emergency numbers, property details and insurance information in one place.
- A written plan turns a panicked moment into a checklist.
Know your critical shutoffs
Walk the property with everyone who lives there and find:
- The main water stop tap, usually near the water meter
- The main switch and safety switches in the switchboard
- The gas meter valve, if the home has piped gas
- Any solar or battery shutdown procedure shown on the site signage
Save the right numbers
Store these in every phone and on the fridge: 000 for life-threatening emergencies, the SES on 132 500 for storm and flood help, your electricity distributor's faults line and your gas distributor's emergency line (both printed on your bills), your insurer's claims line, and your property manager or strata manager if you rent or live in a unit.
Keep property and vehicle details ready
Record the age and model of the hot-water system, air conditioner and major appliances, any recent trade work, your insurance policy numbers and your vehicle registration. Fixit Peace members can keep home and vehicle profiles ready, but a shared note works too.
Pack a small go-bag
A torch, spare batteries, a power bank, basic first-aid, copies of key documents, medication lists, and any pet supplies. In bushfire, cyclone or flood-prone areas, follow your state emergency service's household plan as well.
Use one request path
When something goes wrong, you should not be searching directories. Save the Fixit247 request link: describe the problem once, add photos from a safe position, and suitable verified Fixers can respond.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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