Be prepared
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere and often without warning, so people need to prepare beforehand. This page has information on how to be prepared for emergencies or natural hazards happening in this region.
On this page:
Natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami and volcanic eruptions can threaten lives, damage property and cut off essential services (such as power and water) in the Waikato Region. At the very least, daily life may be disrupted, and it may take some time for things to return to normal. An emergency plan and a survival kit are essential in the home and workplace if people are to be prepared for unexpected events.
Who to contact
Regional, district and city councils have Civil Defence staff who can be contacted for advice and information. Use our map to find out who to contact in your district. River levels, rainfall and flooding information is also available on Environment Waikato’s website.
At home
Your household emergency plan should include:
- where to shelter in an earthquake, flood, or storm
- who’s 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.
If possible:
- know your local Civil Defence warning system
- know where your nearest Civil Defence centre is located
- learn First Aid - a valuable skill in an emergency.
Contact your local city or district council for information on:
- the location of your nearest Civil Defence Warden Post
- becoming a volunteer
- Civil Defence initiatives in your area.
Survival kit
Food and water
Collect enough food and water for at least three days. Include in your survival kit:
- canned or dried food
- a can opener
- a portable gas stove (primus) or barbeque to cook on
- bottled water (3 litres per person per day).
Check and renew these supplies regularly:
- food - every 12 months
- water – every 3 months.
Emergency items
Ensure you have the following emergency items in your survival kit:
- first aid kit and essential medicines
- spare toilet paper, a bucket and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
- pet supplies
- waterproof torches and spare batteries
- radio and spare batteries
Check the batteries every three months.
Emergency clothing
Ensure you have the following emergency clothing items in your survival kit:
- windproof and rainproof clothing
- sun hats
- blankets or sleeping bags
- strong shoes for outdoors.
Put all items, especially blankets and clothing, into leak proof plastic bags.
Special supplies
Ensure you have special supplies for babies and small children:
- food and drink
- changes of clothing
- a favourite toy or activity.
Ensure you have supplies for people with disabilities - remember any:
- hearing aids
- mobility aids
- glasses.
More information
- The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has a range of free information booklets including a household emergency checklist. There is also an emergency checklist on the inside back cover of your phone book, next to the ‘Yellow Pages’. More Civil Defence information is available in the ‘blue pages’ at the front of your phone book or search the White Pages™ under ‘doctors/hospitals’ or ‘government’ for telephone contact information.
- Half of the people living in the Waikato region are not prepared for a natural hazard event. See Environment Waikato's Natural Hazards Awareness and Readiness indicator for more information.
- Check out Environment Waikato's publications for free information on what to do during a natural hazard event. Find out more about Natural Hazards from Environment Waikato's website:
