Emergency planning for your home and family
Think about how you would cope if you had to suddenly leave your home. Or how you would get along if you had to stay indoors for 3 days or more, perhaps without power and water. Or what you would do in a flood, dangerous gas leak or earthquake - would you and your family be OK?
Five steps to your own Emergency Plan
Here are 5 simple steps to prepare your own Emergency Plan:
On this page
Consider some of the following when making your plan:
Roads and Transport
If key roads are blocked for any reason, you may have to arrange for children to stay at school or with friends; getting to and from work or shops may not be possible so you need supplies stored.
Telephone
In a widespread emergency, telephones (including cellphones) may be overloaded.
Electricity
These won't be working:
- lights/fridges/freezers/electric stoves
- fuel pumps at gas stations
- street lights
- computers
- battery chargers
- water pumps, and so on
Evacuation
You may have to leave your home at short notice. A battery radio will allow you to hear important information; clothing, medicines, personal belongings and pets need to be planned for; food and water may be needed. STEP 1: Find out about Hawke's Bay's hazards The range of hazards in the Hawke's Bay region is a little different to those in some other parts of New Zealand. Hazard scientists and emergency managers have identified many hazards that we face in our region, looking at their seriousness and our current preparedness. Hazards that we should prepare for at home are list on this website under Hazard Information. ^Top^ STEP 2: Make your home safe Install smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher
Insure your home and contents
Find out about hazards around your home:
(your local Council can help you) - How high has floodwater come in the past?
- Are outside drains and channels clear?
- Do trees threaten your house?
- Are hazardous materials stored nearby?
- Where is a safe area to go to?
Store all chemicals safely: - Well above potential floodwater level
- Many household products need safe storage
- Agricultural and pool chemicals need special care
Increase your survival skills: - Join Neighbourhood Support
- Learn First Aid
- Talk to Civil Defence at your Council
Remove or secure any objects that could fall and do harm: - Wardrobes
- Bookcases
- Ornaments
- Free-standing fireplaces
- For more information see the EQ-IQ website - www.eq-iq.org.nz
Check your insurance cover
Check that your insurance is current and adequate to cover possible damage. If your house and/or contents are insured you will automatically receive Earthquake Commission cover for damage caused by earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, tsunami; in the case of residential land, a storm or flood; or fire caused by any of these. Turn off Utilities
In an emergency, utilities such as gas, water and electricity may need to be turned off. This may be because they are damaged or to prevent further injusry to people and property. A plan of your home can be drawn up showing where to turn off water, electricity and gas. Always seek professional help before reconnecting the gas supply. Escape Plan
An escape plan outlines the safest ways out of each room of the home, and gives an outside meeting place. ^Top^ STEP 3: Household Emergency Plan Go to the National Civil Defence Website 'Get Thru' and download a copy of the Household Emergency Plan. This plan is designed to help you and your family minimise the effects of an emergency. Print out a copy and fill it in with the members of your household. This plan requires Adobe Acrobat reader, which is free to download. Click here for a copy of Adobe Acrobat reader. There is also useful information on the Australia website the www.pantrylist.com.au providing important advice on how to stock your pantry to ensure your household has an adequate supply of food, water and essential items to cope with a prolonged emergency situation. ^Top^ STEP 4: Talk to your neighbours
Talk to your neighbours and join Neighbourhood Support.
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Step 5: Prepare your Household Emergency Checklist & Getaway Kit
This checklist will help you prepare essential food, water, clothing and medical supplies for you and your family to cope for at least three days. Go to the National Civil Defence Website 'Get Thru' and download a copy of the Checklist.
You should also prepare a Getaway Kit of essential emergency and medical items if you need to be evacuated.
Basic Emergency Survival items will include:
- Bottled water - 3 litres per person for 3 days - BUT MORE IS BETTER
- Canned and non perishable food (plus baby and pet food if necessary)
- Torch & batteries or lightsticks
- Battery powered radio with spare batteries
- Important documents - will, insurance documents etc
- First aid kit/personal medication
- Alternative cooking source - such as a barbeque or gas cooker
- Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
- Plastic bucket with plastic bag/bin liners
- Toilet rolls
- Soap/wet wipes
- Can opener and knife
- Matches or lighter
- Blankets
- Disinfectant for cleaning
Note: It is not important to have all these items in one place but it is important to know how to locate them in a hurry.
Done all Five Steps?
Congratulations, you've got an Emergency Plan!
^Top^ Evacuation: Do we stay or do we go?
Leave home only in immediate danger or if you are officially advised.
Stay inside (unless you are advised to evacuate) if there is a chemical or gas disaster, a storm, or a volcanic eruption. Listen to the radio or TV for information. If the power is off, your car radio will still work.
Evacuate if there is:
- Fire - Get Out and Stay Out
- A large earthquake and you are on the coast as tsunami can follow earthquakes
- Any immediate and obvious danger
- Official advice to do so (if you have time, take your survival items and listen to your radio)
Chemical and Gas Leaks:
Chemical and gas leaks may lead to evacuation, but are not usually of long duration. You will be advised by radio and TV of what to do. Seal up doors and windows.
Extreme Weather:
In a storm, act before things get worse. Broken glass and loose objects like corrugated iron can be very dangerous - secure loose items, close curtains and stay away from windows. Bring pets inside and move stock to shelter.
Volcanic Eruption:
Volcanic eruptions are only likely to be physically dangerous in the immediate vicinity. However, a major eruption can deposit huge quantities of volcanic ash over a large area, which isn't toxic but very abrasive and hard to get rid of. . Driving may be dangerous and you are safest indoors - if you have to go outside, use a mask or cloth to keep ash from your eyes, nose and mouth. Save water and listen to your radio or TV. Wet ash is very heavy and can cuase roofs and gutters to collapse, and may need to be swept off.
Flooding:
Flooding can occur very suddenly, and can be dangerous - don't go into flooded areas and don't drink floodwater. If you leave home, take your Getaway Kit, switch off the power, and take pets with you if you can. Think about others who may need your help.
Tsunami:
Tsunamis, which are very large ocean waves, can devastate low-lying coastal areas and travel at great speed. If a warning is issued or you feel an earthquake near the sea or estuary, go immediately to higher ground, at least one kilometre inland or 35 metres above sea level. Your life may depend on urgent action.
Loss of Essential Services:
A long-term electricity or water failure may make your home uninhabitable. Look after those who may need your help - neighbours, people with disabilities, children and pets. |
