Emergency and disaster preparedness

Radio

If the power goes out, a solar or battery-powered radio (or your car radio) can help you keep up to date with the latest news. In an emergency, tune to these stations:

• Radio New Zealand
• The Hits
• NewstalkZB
• MoreFM
• Radio Live

Online

For local updates, check your council’s website, your local Civil Defence Emergency Management website and social media.

Know your neighbours

There’s strength in numbers. In an emergency, you can work with your neighbours to get through. Neighbourhood Support groups bring local people together to create safe, supportive and connected communities.

Before an event occurs, join Neighbourhood Support at neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz(external link) or call 0800 463 444.

Emergency mobile alert

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorised emergency agencies to mobile phones enabled to receive Emergency Mobile Alerts. They can be targeted to areas affected by serious hazards.

If your phone is on, capable and inside the targeted area, you should get the alerts. You don’t have to download an app or subscribe to a service, just ensure your phone is capable and updated.

Emergency Mobile Alert is an additional channel to help keep people safe if there is an emergency. It does not replace other emergency alerts. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.

Find out more at www.civildefence.govt.nz(external link)

Make a plan

In New Zealand, emergencies can happen anywhere, any time, and without warning. When they do, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most.

Floods, storms, severe weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami and landslides can disrupt our lives, damage property and cause serious harm.

The good news is, it’s easy to make sure you, and the people you care about, are ready to get through.

Have a chat with your family and friends, and work out what you’ll do in these situations:

• Stuck at home
• Can’t get home
• Have to evacuate
• No power
• No water
• No phone or internet

Talk to your family about what you’ll need if you are stuck at home, where you’ll meet up if you can’t get home, where you’ll go if you have to leave home in a hurry. Get to know your neighbours and work out who can help you and who might need your help.

Find out more and make a plan at www.happens.nz(external link)