Preparing for a Disaster
Disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and storms can strike at any time, sometimes without warning.
All disasters have the potential to cause disruption, damage property and take lives. Therefore, it is vital that you prepare now to protect yourself, your family, home, business and community.
Because of the geographical nature of the Waimakariri District,
communities may become isolated as a result of potential risks and hazards.
Communities, businesses and households need to have a plan to assist them
to respond and remain self-reliant for least 72 hours without any
outside assistance.
For more information on being prepared when a disaster strikes, please visit the Get Ready Get Thru website.
Waimakariri Community Survey 2011 Findings
How well prepared are we in the Waimakariri District? Read the findings of the Waimakariri Community Survey 2011 (pdf, 34 kB) to see how well prepared Waimakariri resdients are for Civil Defence emergencies.
The Survival Kit
In most emergencies you should be able to stay at home or at your workplace. In this situation, you may have to rely on your emergency survival kit. This kit should include:
Emergency Items
- Torch with spare batteries
- Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every three months)
- A change of clothing for all family members (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
- Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
- Bottled water (at least three litres per person, per day for drinking)
- Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
- A primus or gas barbecue to cook on
- A can opener
- Check and replace food and water every twelve months.
Supplies for Babies and Small Children
- Food, formula and drink
- Change of clothing and nappies
- Toys or favourite activity.
Place your emergency kit somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency and make sure everyone in your house knows where it is kept. If you keep some of your emergency kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.
Your Getaway Kit
In some emergencies, such as a flood or volcanic eruption, you will need to evacuate and take your getaway kit with you. Everyone in the house should have a getaway kit. This kit should include:
Family Documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Drivers licences and passports
- Financial information (insurance policies, mortgage information, etc.)
- Family photos.
Personal Items
How Quake Safe is Your House?
The Get Ready Get Thru website provides a useful information resource on the impact of earthquakes on houses, and on the science tool called the Modified Mercalli Scale.