Neighbourhood Support – Getting ready for an emergency

Hibiscus Coast residents are no strangers to the unpredictable nature of our local weather, with extreme events over the past few years showing how quickly life can be disrupted. 

Making a plan is your first line of defence. An effective household emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to reconnect when communication lines fail or families are separated during an emergency. Make sure your plan lines up with emergency plans for your work, school and other places where you spend a lot of time. It should cover:

Meeting places: Agree on a safe meeting place close to home, as well as an out-of-area alternative if you cannot return home or stay in your neighbourhood.

Communication contacts: Choose an out-of-town contact person who can act as a central communication hub for family members.

Vulnerable household members: Plan specifically for children, elderly family members, pets, or anyone with medical needs requiring specialised assistance.

Disruption scenarios: Discuss what your household will do during extended power outages, water supply failures, or if evacuation becomes necessary.

Make your home safer

• Taking small steps now can make a big difference to your home’s resilience:
• Secure heavy items. Fix weak spots in your home:  Look for any signs of damage to your roof, foundations, and walls. Strengthening these areas can protect your home from the impacts of earthquakes, floods, or high winds.
• Regularly clear your gutters and drains to prevent water from building up and causing flooding during heavy rain.
• Make sure your insurance is up to date and provide enough coverage in an emergency. 
• Build an emergency kit and grab bags. Prepare your home for three days or more without services. Include:

At least three litres of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene. Long-lasting, non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking, including supplies for babies and pets. A first aid kit, essential medicines with prescription copies, dust masks and work gloves. Torches with spare batteries, a solar or battery radio, USB power banks for charging devices, and cash. Toilet paper, a large plastic bucket with a tight lid, and unscented household bleach to set up an emergency toilet.

In addition to home supplies, keep a portable grab bag packed for each family member. Essential items include shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat, torch, portable phone charger, hand sanitiser, a first aid kit, cash, and copies of important documents or photo ID.

Info: AEM Get Home Ready www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz/get-prepared/get-home-ready/