The Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the National Emergency Management Agency have worked together to create this series of videos, so our communities know what to do to prepare for different disasters and emergencies, and how to respond when they happen.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. This could include earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami, fires, and volcanic activity.

When an emergency happens, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most so it’s important that you have a plan to look after yourself and your family.

This video explains what you’ll need in an emergency.

You may be stuck at home with no power, water, or access to food for several days in an emergency. Or, you might not be able to get home, so make sure you have the supplies you need to get through in places you spend a lot of time such as work or school.

You should have food you don’t have to cook. Plan to eat fridge and freezer food first as this will be the safest time to eat it. And if you’re able, share supplies with your neighbours. You might be able to work together to get through. If you have special dietary needs, make sure you have enough food to last three days at home. If you need to evacuate, emergency shelters may not have the food that you need so be prepared to take it with you.

You’ll need at least nine litres of water for every person which will last for three days or more. This will be enough for drinking and basic hygiene.

You’ll also need a torch with spare batteries and a solar or battery powered radio, a spare supply of medicines, first-aid kit, warm clothing, and food for your pets. Ensure you also have work gloves, a properly fitted P2 or N95 mask, toilet paper & large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet. You don’t have to have everything in one place, but you may need to find it in the dark so make sure it’s easy to find and access.

As well as these essential supplies, make sure you also have a grab bag at places you most often spend time like home, your car or work. A grab bag is a small bag with essential supplies. In a grab bag you should have walking shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat, a hat, water, and snack food. Remember this for babies and pets too. Your grab bag should also contain hand sanitiser, a portable phone charger, cash, and copies of important documents along with copies of photo ID. Finally, your grab bag needs to have any medication you might need and a first aid kit, a mask or face covering, and a torch & radio both with spare batteries.

If you need to drive in extreme conditions, you may want to have a brush and shovel, tire chains, windshield scrapers, and warm clothing in your car.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, go to www.getready.govt.nz

Remember, if you need to contact Government services in an emergency and need language support, you can request an interpreter.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the National Emergency Management Agency have worked together to create this series of videos, so our communities know what to do to prepare for different disasters and emergencies, and how to respond when they happen.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. This could include earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami,  fires, and volcanic activity.

When an emergency happens, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most so it’s important that you have a plan to look after yourself and your family.

This video explains what to do in an earthquake.

Aotearoa New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes which can be strong and damaging.

Earthquakes can be followed by aftershocks that could continue for an extended period.

You can’t predict when an earthquake will happen, but you can protect yourself and your family.

Before an earthquake, reduce the potential impact on your home by fixing or fastening objects that could fall.

During an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold wherever you are. This means drop down on your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, whether you are under shelter or not, and hold on until the shaking stops. We Drop, Cover, and Hold because it stops you from being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for flying or falling objects, and protects your head, neck, and vital organs. Avoid doorways as they are no stronger than any other part of a house and a swinging door can cause more injury. Don’t run outside as you risk getting hit by things like falling bricks or glass.

If you have a mobility impairment sit on a chair or bed or get as low as you can and cover your head and neck, or drop down as low as you can. If you use a wheelchair or walker Lock the wheels, Cover and Hold. 

If the earthquake lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough to make it difficult to stand, get your grab bag and move to higher ground or as far inland as soon as you can, there could be the risk of a tsunami.

After an earthquake, don’t run outside. You don’t have to evacuate a building straight away unless it is showing obvious signs of distress, or you are in a tsunami evacuation zone. Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window, get everyone out quickly and turn off the gas if you can. If you see sparks, broken wires, or evidence of electrical system damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if it is safe to do so. Put on protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and sturdy footwear to protect yourself from injury by broken objects. Use social media or text messages instead of calling so phone lines are clear for emergency calls. Keep control of your pets to protect them from hazards and to also protect other people.

Earthquakes can trigger landslides so you should know the warning signs of landslides so you can act quickly if you see them. Look out for small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes, sticking doors and window frames and gaps where frames are not fitting properly. Also look out for outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house and new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces; and tilting trees, retaining walls or fences. If there’s a landslide or you think one is about to happen, get your grab bag and get out of the way quickly and evacuate the building you are in.

After any emergency, listen to the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services and don’t do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.

Remember to check on your neighbours and help others if you can, especially people who may need extra support.

Make sure you review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back to normal if you suffer damage in a disaster. If you don’t have insurance, this will take longer and may involve more hardship for you and your family. If your property is damaged contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re renting, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, go to www.getready.govt.nz

Remember, if you need to contact Government services in an emergency and need language support, you can request an interpreter.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the National Emergency Management Agency have worked together to create this series of videos, so our communities know what to do to prepare for different disasters and emergencies, and how to respond when they happen.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. This could include earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami, fires, and volcanic activity.

When an emergency happens, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most so it’s important that you have a plan to look after yourself and your family.

This video explains what to do in a flood. Floods are New Zealand’s number one hazard. They are the emergency that happens most frequently and causes the most fatalities. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water don’t wait for official warnings. Get your grab bag, head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

During a flood, never try to walk, swim or drive through the water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water. You should always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals, and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick so do not drink it. Move pets to a safe place. If you must leave your home, get your grab bag and take your pets with you; if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. Ensure you move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items. Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to and lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.

After a flood, only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so. It may not be safe even after the floodwaters have receded. Stay away from damaged areas, you might hinder rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.

After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails, so it’s important to look before you step. Be sure to throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with flood water and avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any ‘boil water' notice instructions from your local authorities. Clean and dry your house and everything in it and throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned. Throw away wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There’s no way to safely clean them. Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water. Protect yourself by wearing a respirator, goggles, gloves, protective clothing that covers your arms and legs and sturdy footwear.

Floods can trigger landslides so you should know the warning signs of landslides so you can act quickly if you see them. Look out for small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes, sticking doors and window frames and gaps where frames are not fitting properly. Outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house and new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces; and tilting trees, retaining walls or fences. If there’s a landslide or you think one is about to happen, get out of the way quickly and evacuate the building you are in.

After any emergency, listen to the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services and don’t do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property. Remember to check on your neighbours and help others if you can, especially people who may need extra support.

Make sure you review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back to normal if you suffer damage in a disaster. If you don’t have insurance, this will take longer and may involve more hardship for you and your family. If your property is damaged contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re renting, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, go to www.getready.govt.nz

Remember, if you need to contact Government services in an emergency and need language support, you can request an interpreter.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the National Emergency Management Agency have worked together to create this series of videos, so our communities know what to do to prepare for different disasters and emergencies, and how to respond when they happen.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. This could include earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami, fires, and volcanic activity.

When an emergency happens, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most so it’s important that you have a plan to look after yourself and your family.

This video explains what to do in a storm. New Zealand often gets hit by storms that can bring strong winds, heavy rain or snow, thunder, lightning, tornadoes, and rough seas.

Before a storm, prepare your property for high winds which can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or lift. Regularly inspect and trim trees as strong winds frequently break weak branches, and remove any debris or loose items from around your property, like firewood.

Ensure you have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards, and duct tape and identify a safe place in your home to gather during a storm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. Keep pets indoors because they can be unsettled by storms and it’s more comforting and safer for them to be with you.

During a storm stay inside. Don't walk around outside and don't drive unless necessary. Close all doors and windows and pull curtains and blinds over them to prevent injury from any broken glass. Avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if they’re struck by lightning so use water from your emergency supplies.

Remember to unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.

After a storm, contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged and ask them for advice on how to safely clean up debris. Also stay alert for extended rainfall, flooding, landslides, and debris hazards, especially when driving.

Storms can trigger landslides so you should know the warning signs of landslides so you can act quickly if you see them. Look out for small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes, sticking doors and window frames and gaps where frames are not fitting properly.

Outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house and new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces; and tilting trees, retaining walls or fences. If there’s a landslide or you think one is about to happen, get your grab bag and get out of the way quickly and evacuate the building you are in.

After any emergency, listen to the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services and don’t do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property. Remember to check on your neighbours and help others if you can, especially people who may need extra support.

Make sure you review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back to normal if you suffer damage in a disaster. If you don’t have insurance, this will take longer and may involve more hardship for you and your family.

If your property is damaged contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re renting, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company. For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, go to www.getready.govt.nz

Remember, if you need to contact Government services in an emergency and need language support, you can request an interpreter.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities  and the National Emergency Management Agency have worked together to create this series of videos, so our communities know what to do to prepare for different disasters and emergencies, and how to respond when they happen.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. This could include earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami, fires, and volcanic activity.

When an emergency happens, Civil Defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most, so it’s important that you have a plan to look after yourself and your family.

This video explains what to do in a fire. If there's a fire in your house, you'll have around 3 minutes to get you and your family out before the fire becomes unsurvivable. So everyone who lives there needs to know the best ways out in the event of a fire.

Make sure you practice your escape plan every 3-6 months. Fire and Emergency New Zealand have Fire Safety Checklists to make sure your home is Fire Safe. You can use this checklist to spot any risks or hazards that might cause a fire.

Before a fire, make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallways and living area and have a plan to make sure everyone knows how they will get out. Plan using Fire and Emergency’s online escape planner tool. Determine at least two alternative ways to escape, and decide on a safe place where everyone will meet.

During a fire, shout 'FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!' so that everybody inside knows there is danger and if there’s smoke, get on your hands and knees and crawl low and fast to escape.

The smoke will be hot and poisonous, and if you breathe it in, it could be fatal so remember: Get Down, Get Low, Get out. FAST!

If you can, close doors behind you to stop the fire spreading. But if you can't get out of the house, close the door of the room you're in and put a towel under it to stop the smoke coming in.

Go to the window and yell 'FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!', and wait for help. If a window has security locks or can’t be opened, consider using a nearby object to break the glass, then use bedding to cover any sharp pieces of glass to escape unharmed.

As soon as it's safe, you should call 111 immediately, either from a mobile phone or a neighbour's house. Fire and Emergency will not charge you if you call them. Practice saying your home address in English to let Firefighters know where the fire is. Meet at your agreed meeting place which should be somewhere safely away from the house like your mailbox, and once you're out of the house, never go back inside. Finally, remember to let the arriving firefighters know whether you are all safely out or if there’s anyone missing.

After a fire, it's important you don’t enter your damaged house unless you need to, and an emergency services official has told you it's safe to go back in. Fire and Emergency NZ will check the water, electricity, and gas supplies and either arrange to have them disconnected or let you know what to do next so if you can't enter your home, you'll need to arrange accommodation.

You may need to stay with family, friends or in other accommodation if there is serious damage to your house. If your house is too damaged to live in, board up openings to discourage trespassers. You may need to arrange security patrols to protect your house from burglary. Remember to keep receipts for expenses resulting from the fire such as accommodation or clothes.

If you can return to your home throw away any food, drinks or medicine that have been exposed to fire, smoke, or water. Wash tins and jars in detergent and water. Don't eat tinned food if the tin has bulged or rusted and don't refreeze any food that has defrosted.

Wash cooking pots and pans with detergent and water and then rinse and polish with a fine-powdered cleaner. It’s important to have all electrical appliances checked by a qualified service person before you use them. Fire and Emergency New Zealand have detailed information about how to best clean your house and ensure everything is safe to use on their website.

After any emergency, listen to the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services and don’t do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property. Remember to check on your neighbours and help others if you can, especially people who may need extra support.

Make sure you review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back to normal if you suffer damage in a disaster. If you don’t have insurance, this will take longer and may involve more hardship for you and your family. If your property is damaged contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re renting, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, go to www.getready.govt.nz

Remember, if you need to contact Government services in an emergency and need language support, you can request an interpreter.