Be Prepared
Some of the biggest differences that can be made in response to potential emergency situations are for the community to be as well prepared as possible. Being prepared means reducing the likelihood and impact of an event, as well as coping with it as well as we possibly can when it does happen.
Awareness and preparation are vital for coping with any unexpected disaster or emergency.
Family survival plans and disaster survival kits help make communities self-sufficient and prepared.
Family Survival Plan
- Discuss ways to get in touch with other family members and plans for reuniting.
- Arrange authorised people to collect children from school and provide the school with a list of these people.
- Establish a meeting place in the event your house becomes unusable or if family members are separated.
- Allocate tasks for those at home when a disaster occurs, like turning off power, checking on neighbours.
- Do a first aid course.
- Locate your nearest civil defence centre.
Disaster Survival Kit
The following items are useful to have in a disaster survival kit:
- water - at least 3 litres per person per day for three days - more is better
- food - at least three days' supply
- alternative cooking source and utensils - BBQ, can opener, knives
- warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes
- emergency blanket
- important family documents
- medications, baby supplies
- soap, wet wipes, toilet paper
- torch with spare batteries
- radio with spare batteries
- notebook and pen
- first aid kit
Business Survival Plan
The business community has an obligation to prepare for natural hazards and the potential for loss of life and damage to property. This is especially true for staff, buildings and facilities that represent an important resource before and after a disaster.
The Wellington City Council Emergency Management Office have produced a comprehensive guide to business emergency planning.
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