CIVIL DEFENCE

Subtitle

How to prepare for a disaster at the flat

Have emergency supplies

getthru.co.nz has a list of emergency supplies that they recommend as their essentials for an emergency such as an earthquake or tsunami. Their list is as follows:

Household emergency kits

Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging torch
Radio with spare batteries
Wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes.
First aid kit and essential medicines
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pet supplies
Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
Face and dust masks

Food and water for at least three days which can include

Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
Food, formula and drinks for kids and babies (if applicable)
Water for drinking (at least 3 litres per person per day)
Extra water for washing and cooking
A primus or gas barbaque to cook on
a can opener

Make sure you check and replace food and water every 12 months.
Getaway kits

In some emergencies you may need to evacuate in a hurry. Everyone should have a packed getaway kit in an easily accessible place at home and at work which includes:

Torch and radio with spare batteries
Any special needs such as hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids
Emergency water and easy-to-carry food rations such as energy bars and dried foods in case there are delays in reaching a welfare centre or a place where you might find support. If you have any special dietary requirements, ensure you have extra supplies
First aid kit and essential medicines
Essential items for infants or young children such as formula and food, nappies and a favourite toy (if applicable)
Change of clothes (wind/waterproof clothing and strong outdoor shoes)
Toiletries – towel, soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, toilet paper
Blankets or sleeping bags
Face and dust masks
Pet supplies

Include important documents in your getaway kit: identification (birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licences and passports), financial documents (e.g. insurance policies and mortgage information), and precious family photos.

Your flat emergency plan

What you will each do in the event of disasters such as an earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, flood or storm.
How and where you will meet up during and after a disaster
Where to store emergency survival items and who will be responsible for maintaining supplies.
What you will each need to have in your getaway kits and where to keep them.
What you need to do for members of the household, family or community with a disability or special requirement.
What you will need to do for your pets, domestic animals or livestock.
How and when to turn off the water, electricity and gas at the main switches in your home or business.
Turn off gas only if you suspect a leak, or if you are instructed to do so by authorities. If you turn the gas off you will need a professional to turn it back on and it may take them weeks to respond after an event.
What local radio stations to tune in to for civil defence information during an event.
How to contact your local council’s civil defence emergency management office for assistance during an emergency.
If life or property is threatened, always dial 111.

Wellington Tsunami Risk

te aro

Wellington poses a huge risk of Tsunami due to its proximity to the harbour. This map shows you the tsunami risk zones; those in low lying areas will need to evacuate. This can be seen with the low terrain light coloured areas including Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Miramar, Kilbirnie, Newtown, Te Aro and central Wellington. If there is a tsunami warning while you are at the flat in these areas, or low lying areas in Porirua or Lower Hutt, make sure you know the route to higher land to save yourself from a Tsunami. If your flat is in a higher lying suburb during a tsunami warning, this is considered a tsunami safe zone, so stay out and do not attempt to walk down toward central Wellington or other low lying areas that are at risk of tsunami. Another tip is to help those in need. If you have mates in an evacuated area, offer them a house to crash at. They would rather be with mates than in temporary housing set up by government officials or councils.

First Aid

If someone you care for is injured in a disaster, your knowledge of first aid will be invaluable. Many organisations provide first aid training courses, they even run first aid courses from time to time at Victoria University. Consider taking a first aid course, followed by regular refresher sessions. You can buy ready-made first aid kits or make up your own. Check all batteries every three months. Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest. Do not use candles as they can tip over in earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind. Do not use kerosene lamps, which require a great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.