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 how to make an emergency plan.

It’s up to you to make sure your household knows what to do and that you have what you need to get through an emergency. Talk with the people you live with and make an emergency plan for different situations.

In an emergency, you could be without power, water, phone, or internet. You also may need to evacuate, be unable to get home, or be stuck at home. Plan for all these scenarios. For example, if you do need to evacuate your home, think about the essential things you will need to do and take with you. Also consider the things you need every day and work out what you would do if you didn't have them.

If you are not at home when a disaster or emergency happens make sure you have a designated meeting place for you and your family. Roads could be closed, and public transport might not be operating so be sure to have an alternative way of getting home, and have a plan to pick kids up from school.

You can find an English version and translated versions of the emergency plan template at www.getready.govt.nz/plan-translations.

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.