Think ahead and make a plan is the message going out to the Wairoa community from Wairoa District Council in the wake of the devastating earthquake that rocked Christchurch over the weekend.

WDC Emergency Management Officer Tim Allan is urging people to ask themselves what they would have done if the earthquake had occurred here rather than in the south.

“For all of us, it’s not about ‘if’ a disaster is going to occur, it’s about ‘when’, and we need to make sure we’re ready,” he said.

Water, food and shelter are the basics of survival that could be taken away at a moments notice – we all need to stop and think about how we will cope when ‘The Big One’ hits.

“There is no harm in making sure you are organised and have a plan in place for your family should any natural disaster occur”, he said.

Knowing where to find family members is a major factor in getting ready for an emergency. Take the time to check with the school, preschool, rest home or anywhere you might have family to find out the organisation’s emergency plan.

That way, in an emergency, you can have confidence that you know where to find your family.

“What makes people panic is the unknown. Something as simple as a predetermined meeting place that every family member knows can eliminate a lot of chaos from an already stressful situation,” said Mr Allan.

He said that an earthquake of the magnitude that hit Christchurch could result in a tsunami, meaning it would be prudent to move about 1km inland.

“Don’t waste time in a queue for petrol. You don’t need to drive for hours, just head away from the sea and wait.”

There are many types of disasters that could damage roads and disrupt your ability to travel. Get your family or household together and agree on a plan. In your plan, you will need to work out:

• Where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm
• How and where you will meet up during and after a disaster
• The best place to store Emergency Survival Items. Make sure everyone knows where these items are, and who is responsible for checking essential items
• Where each person's Getaway Kit will be so they can take it with them
• How to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home or business
• How to contact your local civil defence organisation for assistance during an emergency

An essential part of planning is putting together a kit of Emergency Survival Items that will enable you to get through on your own if help is not readily available. These should include:

Emergency items

• Torch with spare batteries
• Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every 3 months)
• A change of clothes 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 3 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 barbeque 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

Assemble everything you need for your Emergency Survival Items and place it somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your house knows where your Emergency Survival Items are kept. If you prefer to keep some of your Emergency Survival Items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.
More information on preparing for an earthquake, or any disaster, can be found on the Civil Defence website, www.civildefence.govt.nz. 

Ends

For more information:
Tim Allan
Emergency Management Officer
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309 or 0272727693