Emergencies & Hazards » Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Site » 3 Step Emergency Plan

3 Step Emergency Plan

In a disaster, the emergency services and your local council will be extremely busy.  They may not be able to help you for at least three days.

You could be without water, electricity, gas and telephones.  Your house could be damaged and you or one of your family may be injured.  What will you do? 

We can’t prevent disasters, but you can take some simple steps to ensure you will be prepared and be able to cope.  All of us must think ahead and be prepared.

1.  You must store emergency water

  • store at least three days worth of water - more is better
  • store water for basic survival (at least three litres per person per day)
  • store extra water for cooking and hygiene (e.g. washing, food preparation, cleaning injuries). This could be 15-20 litres per person per day
  • water could be cut off for weeks after an earthquake
  • if you don't have any water stored, you will probably have to walk to a distribution point to collect water
  • store water at home, work, at school and in your car.

2.  Have an emergency survival kit

You need to be self-sufficient for at least three days.

You need:

  • emergency water
  • non-perishable food
  • battery operated radio and spare batteries
  • first aid kit
  • essential medications
  • emergency lighting (torch and spare batteries, lightsticks)
  • toilet paper, large bucket and large plastic bags (for making an emergency toilet)
  • blankets and warm waterproof clothing
  • alternative cooking methods (gas cooker, BBQ)
  • supplies for baby
  • pet and animal supplies.

3.  Have a household emergency plan

  • find out what emergencies could happen in your area
  • know what to do in an earthquake, flood, fire or chemical spill etc
  • know your neighbours and plan to support each other
  • where necessary, arrange with a near neighbour to look after your dependants at home. The emergency may prevent you from returning immediately
  • ensure that everyone knows how to safely turn off the power, gas and water
  • arrange authorised people to collect children from school. Give the list to the school. Your school is responsible for uncollected children in emergencies
  • talk to your family or household about what you will do and where you will meet
  • keep important family documents in a safe place
  • find out where your nearest Civil Defence Centre or Community Emergency Centre is

Related documents:

Back to top