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The impacts of an emergency
In New Zealand emergencies can happen anywhere, any time, and without warning. If you understand the impacts of an emergency, you can tailor your emergency plan to reduce the impacts that affect you most.
In most emergencies, it's best to stay in your own home if it is safe to do so. But that may mean being without power and water or any way to get supplies for three days or more.
Do you have enough food? What about family members who need medication? Do you have enough food for pets to get through too?
In an emergency, trains and buses may not be able to operate. Roads may be closed and streets or neighbourhoods might be blocked off.
If you can’t take your normal route home, how will you get there? Who will you go with? Where will you meet up if your street is a no-go zone?
In an emergency, some houses, streets and neighbourhoods may not be safe to stay in and you may have to leave home in a hurry.
If your street was evacuated where would you go? What would you take? What about pets? Do you have neighbours who might need your help?
In an emergency, power supplies may be damaged and may not be able to be repaired quickly.
What would you do if the power was out for days? How will you see, cook, keep warm?
Imagine having no water for three days or more. In an emergency, water supplies may be damaged or contaminated.
How would you wash, cook, clean? What would you drink?
Impact 6: No phone or internet
In most emergencies, it’s best to stay in your own home, so make your home your meeting place and have an alternative in case you can’t get there.
If the phone and internet lines were down, how would you keep in touch, arrange to meet up, keep up with news and weather alerts?
Certain objects in your home can cause damage or injury during an earthquake. Lessen the impact of falling items by taking action before an earthquake hits.
Ready for a quiz? Try The Impacts of an Emergency interactive activity.
We can't predict earthquakes, but we can prepare for them. One of the best places to start is with your home. Fix. Fasten. Don’t Forget. and make your place safer today.
Audio Māori keywords:
https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/plan/ Make a Plan
Whakaritea he mahere to help get through an emergency.