Conflict
Ready
Australia doesn't need to be invaded to feel a major war. We import most of our fuel, medicines and manufactured goods by sea. A conflict in our region could mean fuel rationing, empty shelves, cyber attacks on power and banking, and prices through the roof. Prepare for the fallout, wherever it starts.
In any emergency, follow directions from authorities and tune in to ABC Local Radio, Australia's official emergency broadcaster. If life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
The Fallout at Home
A war overseas becomes a crisis here through fuel, supply lines and networks.
Rationing
With around 90% of our fuel imported, most of it by sea, fuel would be one of the first things rationed. No fuel means no trucks, and no trucks means no deliveries.
Attacks on Networks
Australia's cyber security agency already warns that state-sponsored hackers target our critical infrastructure. In a conflict, expect attacks on power, water, banks and telcos.
Shortages & Prices
Shipping disruptions push prices up and stock down: medicines, electronics, spare parts, fertiliser and food.
Offline
Undersea cables carry almost all of Australia's international internet traffic. Outages could take down EFTPOS, bank apps and the services we rely on every day.
Build It in Three Tiers
Plan for months of disruption, not days. Start with the basics and build up.
72 Hours
- Go-bag per person by the door
- Battery or hand-crank radio
- 3 L of water per person, per day and no-cook food
- Cash in small notes
- Full tank of fuel, always
2 Weeks
- 2 weeks of food and about 45 L of water per person
- Water filter and purification tablets
- Off-grid power: power station and solar panel
- A month of prescription medicines
- UHF CB handhelds for the family
3 Months+
- Deep pantry and ration packs for every person
- Rainwater tank or large water storage with a gravity filter
- Fuel stored safely in approved containers, within legal limits
- Spare electronics in a Faraday bag
- A plan with trusted neighbours to share skills and security
Know When to Stay and When to Go
Decide now, while you can think clearly.
Most families should plan to bug in.
Home is where your supplies, shelter and community are. Leave only if staying is more dangerous than going.
Bug-In Plan
- Food, water, power and medicines for months
- Know how to shut off gas, water and power
- Solar lights, good locks and a secure home
- A roster with neighbours to check on each other
Bug-Out Plan
- A packed go-bag for every person and pet
- Two routes out and a destination with family or friends
- Paper maps, as GPS and phones may not work
- A meeting point if you are separated
If the Worst Happens
- In a radiological emergency: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned
- Go to the centre of a solid building and close windows and vents
- Wait for official instructions before going outside
Stay Connected, Stay Solvent
When phones, internet and cards fail, these still work.
Talk Without Towers
- Battery or hand-crank AM/FM radio for ABC updates
- UHF CB handhelds need no individual licence in Australia
- Written contact list and an agreed family meeting point
Cash Is King
- Keep a few hundred dollars in small notes
- Keep some coins for machines
- Spread it between your home and your go-bag
Prove Who You Are
- Copies of passports, IDs, insurance and medical records
- A paper copy plus a USB, sealed in a Faraday bag
- Store originals in a fireproof, waterproof bag
Where to Get Reliable Updates
In a crisis, misinformation spreads fast. Go to the source.
Prepare for the Fallout
Faraday protection, radios, water and long-life food so your family can ride out months of disruption.
More From the Survival Hub
This guide provides general preparedness information only and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Always follow directions from authorities and emergency services. Store fuel in approved containers and within your state's limits. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
