Essential utility failure

Failure of an essential utility such as electricity or a small community water supply has been identified as a significant risk for Taranaki.

This may come about as a direct result of the system failing or as a secondary consequence of another hazard such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Before a utility failure

Do you have a portable gas cooker or barbecue? These may be all you have to cook with during a prolonged interruption to electricity supply. Ensure they are used only in well-ventilated places.

A supply of stored water is absolutely essential. You need at least three litres of drinking water for each person each day -preferably more. You will also need water for washing, cooking and pets.

You can purchase bottled water or prepare your own containers of water. Purchase food-grade water storage containers from camping or hardware stores or recycle plastic soft drink bottles. Do not use milk containers, as protein cannot be adequately removed with washing, and may harbour bacteria.

Instructions for safely storing water

Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water.
Fill each bottle with tap water until it overflows.
Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water (or half a teaspoon for 10 litres) and put in storage. Do not drink for at least 30 minutes after disinfecting.
Label each bottle with dates showing when the bottles were filled and when they need to be refilled.
Check the bottles every 12 months. If the water is not clear, throw it out and refill clean bottles with clean water and bleach.
Store bottles away from direct sunlight in a cool dark place. Keep them in two separate places and where there is not likely to be flooding.

You can also fill plastic ice cream containers with water, cover, label and keep in the freezer. These can help keep food cool if the power is off and can also be used for drinking.

Your hot water cylinder and toilet cistern are valuable sources of water. Check that your hot water cylinder and header tank are well secured. Do not put chemical cleaners in the cistern if you want to use the water.

During a utility failure

If electricity supply is disrupted, do not use candles. They can easily cause fires. They are quiet and easily forgotten. They can tip over during earthquake aftershocks or in wind gusts. They invite play by children.

If water supply is disrupted and you are using collected rain water, make sure you disinfect it with household bleach. If you are uncertain about the quality of water, e.g. from a well that has been flooded, or if it might have been contaminated by smoke or volcanic ash, do not drink it.

If both water and sewage lines are damaged, you may need to use improvised emergency toilets.

How to make an emergency toilet

Use watertight containers such as a rubbish bin or bucket, with a snug-fitting cover.
If the container is small, keep a large container with a snug-fitting cover for waste disposal.
Line bins with plastic bags if possible.
Pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant such as chlorine bleach into the container each time the toilet is used to reduce odour and germs. Keep the toilet covered.