Sydney residents told to pack a 'Go-Bag' and prepare for disaster

People living in Australia's largest city are being urged to keep survival bags at their homes and workplaces to be used in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

The so-called "Go Bags" should contain items such as maps, running shoes, sunscreen and toilet paper, bemused residents of Sydney have been told.

The advice issued by city authorities also tells people they can carry their cat in a pillowcase during an evacuation and reminds them to turn off their gas and electricity and to check on their neighbours before going to designated emergency gathering points around the city.



The backers of the Let's Get Ready Sydney campaign said it was a responsible promotion designed to prepare residents for unforeseen civil emergencies, including a terror attack. Apart from the Go Bags, which should also contain items like a first-aid kit, spare change, energy bars and a battery or solar-powered radio, Sydney residents were asked to think about how they would contact friends and relatives during an emergency when mobile phone services are disrupted.

On an accompanying website, residents can evaluate their level of preparedness in the event of a disaster. Those who tick 50% or fewer of the suggested emergency preparations are rebuked: "You have not made many emergency preparations, perhaps because you don't like thinking about the subject."

The campaign immediately attracted ridicule when it was launched yesterday by the city's lord mayor, Clover Moore. Ms Moore, who confessed that she had not yet packed her own Go Bag, said she was sympathetic to criticism that such campaigns would make people more fearful but said it would irresponsible not to be prepared for every eventuality.