Are you prepared for an emergency? In an emergency you could be on your own for three days, maybe more.
There are several things you can do to reduce the impact of disasters when they happen.
Readiness is all about knowing what you need to know and having what you need to have to be better prepared for an emergency situation. Readiness also includes knowing about the hazards that you are faced with.
The CDEM Group analysed the hazards and risks across Taranaki and identified the main hazards for Taranaki.
- Have you sat down with your family and planned what you will do in an emergency?
- Do you know how to turn off your water, electricity, and gas?
- Have you made arrangements for collecting children from school?
- Are you part of a Neighbourhood Support group?
- Are your assets insured?
Businesses
- Do you know what your hazards are?
- Do you have a business continuity plan?
- Do you have emergency procedures for staff and clients?
- Have you had an emergency drill recently?
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management's website has useful advice and information on how businesses can prepare for emergencies - click on the link in the navigation panel at right.
The Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has established specialist advisory groups for health, welfare, rural, lifelines, hazardous substances and Egmont Volcano.
A Co-ordinating Executive Group has also been established to provide advice and assistance to the CDEM Group.
Develop an emergency plan for your household including:
- Where to meet or shelter during an emergency
- Make someone responsible for checking your emergency equipment
- How to turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains
- How to maintain contact with each other during an emergency
- Know the location of your nearest Emergency Welfare Centre (for more details, click on link in navigation panel at right)
- Learn first aid
Survival items
- Torch
- Transistor radio
- Spare batteries
- Food and water for at least three days
- Can opener
- First aid kit
- Pet supplies
- Toilet paper and rubbish bags for emergency toilet
- Face and dust masks
- BBQ or camping cooker
- Medicines and health items
Getaway kit
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Essential medicines
- Towels and toiletries
- Baby needs
- Extra clothing
- Family documents
In an emergency
Listen to the radio for Civil Defence messages on National Radio, Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits, More FM or Radio Live. List of frequencies
If your family has to evacuate your home
- Take your Getaway Kit
- Turn off water, electricity and gas
- Lock your house and garage
- Let the Emergency Management Office know that you have evacuated
0800 900 049
Farmers and others in the agriculture sector
Be aware of potential emergency scenarios that will affect you and your stock. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has published a useful booklet discussing the background to volcanic eruptions and simple precautions you can take. Click on the link below.
Volcanic Eruption: Impacts and Hazard Mitigation for New Zealand's Primary Production Industries (890KB)
People with disabilities
You should also be prepared to meet your specific needs by storing sufficient oxygen, medications, battery power etc to last for at least seven days after a disaster.
The best way to cope with a disaster is to learn about the challenges you might face if you could not use your home and personal belongings.
You can meet your personal needs by preparing beforehand. If you have a disability service animal such as a seeing-eye dog, you need to be aware that they may be frightened and unable to work. Provision for their care will also need to be considered.
Click on the link below for a handy booklet to help you prepare for an emergency.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities 1.3MB
Don't forget your pets
If you're a pet owner, you should think about how you will care for your animals during an emergency. It's important to include them in your disaster planning.
Click on the link below for a brochure containing helpful information and advice.
Get Your Pets Thru Too (128KB)