Emergency Preparedness

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Civil Defence Emergencies

Know how to handle Civil Defence Emergencies; create a personal response plan. The inside cover of the Yellow Pages has a handy reference guide. The local warning signal for civil defence emergencies is a continuous siren, like that on a police car. If you hear this, you should listen to your local radio station to learn what the emergency is and what to do.

• Stop, think and respond
• Get your home response items
• Listen to your radio
• Use common sense
• Ensure all family members know what to do

Flood • Earthquake • Storms • Tsunami • Volcanic Eruption • Chemical Spillage

Flood

If a flood is threatened in my area I should be prepared to:

• Listen to the battery operated radio for advice and information.
• Follow the official Civil Defence advice and instructions.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Turn off electricity, water and gas supplies at the mains.
• Move valuables, clothing, food, medicines and chemicals above the likely reach of the flood water.
• Move to the nearest high ground if advised to do so.

During a flood I must:

• Keep calm.
• Listen to the battery operated radio for advice and information.
• Stay as warm and dry as possible.
• Stay where I am unless told to do otherwise.

After a flood I must:

• Assist with the clean up.
• Store damaged articles outside until an insurance assessor has seen them.

Earthquake

Find out how to prepare before, during and after an earthquake.

Storms (Cyclones, Tornados)

In a storm I must be prepared to:

• Secure any loose boards and roofing iron.
• Avoid being in rooms with large windows.
• Put strips of tape across large windows.

During a storm I must:

• Stay indoors.
• Shelter in the smallest parts of the building - usually the smallest rooms with small windows or in the hallway.
• Open windows on the sheltered side of the building if the roof starts to lift.

Tsunami

If a tsunami warning has occurred I should:

• Listen to the battery operated radio for advice and information.
• Follow the official Civil Defence advice and instructions.
• Evacuate only if ordered to, and immediately when told.
• Take battery operated radio, valuables and documents.
• Turn off electricity, water and gas mains. (if there is time)
• Go at least 1 kilometre inland or 35 metres above sea level.

After a tsunami I must:

• Listen to the battery operated radio for advice and information.
• Not walk through the damaged area until allowed by the authorities.

Volcanic Eruption

Stay inside unless otherwise advised or building is in immediate danger.

Chemical Spillage

During a chemical spillage alert I must:

• Close all windows and remain inside.
• Listen to the battery operated radio for advice and information.
• Advise emergency services immediately any effects are noticed inside (e.g. irritation to the eyes, nausea).
• Block doors, windows with any available material - tape, blankets.
• Evacuate immediately if advised to do so, following the exact route given.
• Turn off electricity, water and gas supplies at mains if required to evacuate.

Prepared for a pandemic?

Check out the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and the Ministry of Health websites to find out how to be prepared for civil emergencies.