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KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HAVE TO DO IT

Hundreds of earthquakes occur in New Zealand each year. A few cause damage and injury. A severe earthquake can occur at any time.

Before an Earthquake occurs:

DO Secure heavy furniture to the wall or floor.
DO Place heavy items near the floor.
DO Put strong catches on cupboards.
DO Check that your chimney is secure.
DO Secure your hot water cylinder.
DO Check your household insurance.
DON'T Put chemical cleaner in the toilet cistern. This will poison a potential source of drinking water.

During an Earthquake inside:

• Take cover under a table or brace yourself in a doorway.
• Do not attempt to run outside.
• If you are in a lift, stop it at the nearest floor and get out.
• Do not look for your pets until shaking ceases.

During an Earthquake outside:

• Take cover in a doorway.
• Do not run into the street.

• Slow down, pull over to the side of the road and stop.
• Stay in the vehicle. It will provide some cover.

After an Earthquake:

• Check those around you and help them if necessary.
• Make sure that someone reports the damage in your area to the nearest Civil Defence Centre.
• Put out small fires. Evacuate the building if the fires cannot be controlled.
• Turn on your radio.
• If your property is damaged, try to take notes of damage for the loss adjustor.
• Do not go sightseeing.

A tsunami is a series of sea waves generated by underwater earthquakes or large landslides.

Tsunami warning:

The Ministry of Civil Defence issues national warnings through the Police and civil defence organisations, and through radio and television broadcasts.

Near source Tsunamis:

A "near source" tsunami is one that is generated close to our coastline by a strong earthquake. New Zealand has experienced a few of these. The water level may fall very quickly past the normal low tide mark, then return just as quickly. If this happens there won't be enough time to issue a warning.

When a Tsunami threatens:

DO Turn on your radio and follow all instructions.
DO Take your Getaway Kit with you if you are told to evacuate.
DO Leave the area immediately if you are on the beach or near a river when a strong earthquake occurs.
DO Go at least 1 kilometre inland or 35 metres above sea level.
DON'T Go to a river or beach to watch the waves come in.

New Zealand has seven active volcanic centres, all in the North Island.

Before an eruption:

Discover whether there are volcanic hazards likely to affect you.
If you live in an active volcanic zone, assume that you may have to deal with the effects of an eruption.
If you live in an area that could experience a lava flow during a volcanic eruption, know a quick route to safe ground.

When an eruption threatens:

If volcanologists agree that a life-threatening eruption is likely to take place, a Civil Defence Emergency will be declared and the danger area evacuated. Listen to your radio for information and follow civil defence advice.

During an Eruption:

DO Save water in your bath, basin, containers or cylinders at an early stage - supplies may become polluted.
DO Stay indoors with your pets as much as possible.
DO Wear mask and goggles if you go outside, to keep volcanic ash out of your eyes and lungs.
DO Keep gutters and roof clear of ash – heavy deposits can collapse the roof.
DO Take your outdoor clothing off before entering a building-volcanic ash is difficult to get rid of.
DO Take your Getaway Kit with you if you have to leave. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
DO Keep below ridge lines in hilly terrain – the hill will offer some protection from flying volcanic debris.
DON'T Go sightseeing.
DON'T Leave home unless advised to by Civil Defence.

Disastrous floods have struck most parts of New Zealand at some time or other. Floods are the most common cause of a Civil Defence Emergency.

Before a flood strikes:

DO Assume that you will have to cope with a flood. Several so-called '100-year' floods can happen in quick succession.
DO Find out about the worst flood in your locality and how high it rose. Calculate where such a flood would reach in your home.
DO Inform yourself about present and future plans for building flood protection schemes in your locality.
DO Know how to reach the nearest high ground.
DO Keep your valuables and some food and clothing above what you judge to be the high-water mark.
DO Store weedkillers, insecticides and other chemicals above your estimated high-water mark.
DO Consider building some form of storage above your ceiling.
DO Keep your insurance cover up-to-date.

When a flood strikes:

DO Listen to your radio for information. Follow Civil Defence advice and instructions.
DO Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, medicines and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
DO Take your Getaway Kit with you if you have to leave your home. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
DO Take your pets with you.
DON'T Go into floodwaters alone.
DON'T Go sightseeing through flooded areas.
DON'T Drink floodwater. It could be contaminated.

Damaging wind is caused by deep depressions or by tornadoes. A strong wind warning is issued by the National Forecasting Centre when winds of more than 87 km/h are expected over land.

When a strong wind warning is issued:

DO Listen to your radio for information.
DO Bring pets inside and move stock to shelter.
DO Pick up rubbish and put rubbish bins indoors.
DO Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight garages.
DO Put tape across large windows to prevent them from shattering.
 

During a storm:

DO Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind -this will relieve pressure on the roof.
DO Close the curtains to slow down flying glass or other loose objects.
DO Stay away from doors and windows. If the wind becomes destructive, shelter further inside the house. Use a mattress for added protection.
DO Stay away from metal and electrical fixtures.
DO Contact your local council if your house or building is severely damaged by the wind.
DON'T Walk around outside.
DON'T Go driving unless absolutely necessary.

After the storm:

DO Avoid dangling and broken power lines. Report these to the nearest electrical authority.

DO Contact your local council for advice about cleaning up debris.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

At home:

Develop an emergency plan which includes these points:

• where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm;
• who is responsible for checking essential items in your Emergency Survival Kit;
• how to turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains;
• how to maintain contact with each other during an emergency;
• how to contact your local civil defence organisation for assistance during an emergency;
• know the location of your nearest Civil Defence Centre;
• learn First Aid;
• learn how to control small fires and know how to escape from a fire;
• know the local Civil Defence warning system.

In your street:

Join or form a neighbourhood support group. You and your neighbours will have skills and resources that can be vital in an emergency. Start discussing today what you can do to assist each other. Contact the Police for advice.

Become a civil defence volunteer. Ask your local civil defence organisation how you can help.

Your Emergency Survival Kit:

Emergency Clothing
Wind proof and rain proof
Sun hats for hot weather,
Strong shoes for outdoors
Blankets or sleeping bags

Food and Water
Canned or dried food
A can opener El
A primus or BBQ to cook on
Bottled water

Emergency Items,
First Aid Kit and essential medicines for illness and allergies
Spare toilet paper and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet

Special supplies for babies
Waterproof torches and spare batteries
Radio and spare batteries
Pet supplies

Special supplies for those with disabilities
Glasses
Hearing aids
Mobility aids

• If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs.

• Put all items, especially blankets and clothing, into leakproof plastic bags.
• Make sure everyone in the house can find the Kit in the dark.
• Check and renew the food and water every 12 months.
• Check the batteries in torches and radio every three months.

Your Getaway Kit:

Each person in the house should have a small bag for their Getaway Kit, ready for evacuation.

Most of the items that you will need for a Getaway Kit are already part of your Emergency Survival Kit. Other things you will require are:

Family documents:

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies
• Drivers' licences
• Passports
• Family photos

Personal hygiene items:

• Towels and soap
• Toothbrushes
• A change of clothes

Babies' and small children's supplies:

• Food and drink
• Change of clothing
• Favourite toy or activity

People with disabilities:

People with hearing impairment may not be well served by radio. Make arrangements to be sure you are informed by somebody.

People with sight impairment may have extra difficulties if their home is disrupted - perhaps in an earthquake - and may have extra difficulties in an unfamiliar Civil Defence Centre. You should arrange some form of "buddy" system.

People with asthma and other respiratory disorders may be especially affected by stress, dust or volcanic ash. Have plenty of medicines and face masks in your Emergency Survival Kit.

People with special food needs, be sure to include as much as you can in your Emergency Survival Kit.

People with mobility aids, insist on bringing your aid if you are evacuated. Moving to safety is fine, but you won't want to be helpless when you get there.

Don't forget your pet:

• Have a permanent disc on your pet's collar with your name, phone number and, if possible, address.

• Always have a carry-box with a blanket or towel ready. Identify the box with your name, address and phone number.

• Keep an emergency supply of tinned pet food.

Where there is time...

• If you are unable to take your animals with you or if you have been ordered to leave your pets behind, you should release penned animals, including chickens.

• In cases of flooding, your pets can be placed in the roof space of your home with as much food and water left for them as practicable.

• If you have stock, open internal farm gates but do not allow access to roads.

• Appointed Wardens and SPCA personnel will be on hand to visit your home for you. Tell them where your animals are and how they can be identified.

REMEMBER THAT YOUR ANIMALS MAY BE MORE SELF SUFFICIENT THAN YOU THINK

Civil Defence facts:

• Prevents loss of life

• Helps the injured

• Relieves personal distress

It is an activity that we can all participate in at home, in our neighbourhoods, at work, or as volunteers with community or civil defence organisations.  In most emergencies, emergency services and local councils manage the situation on their own. However, a major emergency will stretch their resources.  We must therefore be prepared to look after ourselves and our neighbours for up to 72 hours.

Civil Defence emergencies:

When an emergency occurs, the Mayor of the city or district (or Chairperson of the region) affected may declare a Civil Defence Emergency. Declaring a Civil Defence Emergency gives the Civil Defence Controller and the Police legal authority to:

• Evacuate buildings and places.
• Restrict entry into buildings.
• Close roads and public places.
• Remove vehicles which impede emergency services and civil defence work.
• Requisition items which are needed urgently. The Civil Defence Act 1983 outlines powers and restrictions during a Civil Defence Emergency. For more information contact civil defence staff at your local council.