Whether you live with your family, friends or flatmates, it is important to all be on the same page when it comes to what to do in an emergency.
A household emergency plan lets everyone in your household know what to do in an emergency and how to get ready. Having a plan helps make actual emergency situations less stressful.
Useful template to help you make a plan together:
Make a Plan PDF Template | English
Make a Plan PDF Template (Short Version) | English
Important things to talk about while making an emergency plan:
In an emergency, you may be stuck at home for three days or more. Figure out what supplies you need and make a plan to work out what you need to get through.
You probably have most of the things you need already. You don’t have to have them all in one place, but you might have to find them in a hurry and/or in the dark.
If you have special dietary needs, make sure you have enough to last three days at home. As well as in a grab bag. If you have to evacuate, emergency shelters may not have the food that you need.
Some other items:
If you rely on power, for example for medical reasons, please speak to your GP or medical provider about your needs and emergency plan.
Don't forget that you and your neighbours can help each other by sharing supplies too.
By looking after yourself and your household, you'll also be helping emergency services focus their limited resources on the people who need the most help.
Have grab bags ready for everyone in your family. A grab bag is a small bag with essential supplies.
Each bag should have:
Remember any medications you might need and keep your first aid kit, mask or face covering, torch, radio and batteries somewhere you can grab them in a hurry.
If you have special dietary needs, make sure you have the food you need in your grab bag too.
Plan ahead for what you will do if you are in your car when an emergency happens. A flood, snow storm or major traffic accident could leave you stranded in your vehicle for some time.
Keep essential emergency survival items in your car. If you are driving in extreme winter conditions, add:
Store a pair of walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, essential medicines, snack food, water, a phone charger lead and a torch in your car.
Keep up to date with weather and road information when planning travel.
While you may not have all these items in one place, it is important to know where in your home they are. In some emergencies, you may need to evacuate in a hurry.
In an emergency you are not on your own, you’re with your community. Now is a good time to connect with your neighbours and exchange contact details so you'll be ready if an emergency situation occurs. Plus, it can make everyday life much more enjoyable!
Get involved in your community’s events
Make a plan – Is your family ready for an emergency? Use this online template to help you and your whānau get prepared.
What’s the Plan Stan? - Kids Activity Book – Help your children learn about and prepare for emergencies by downloading this fun kids book filled with lots of great activities from colouring-in to word searches.
What’s the Plan Stan? - Online Game – Looking for a fun game to learn more about emergencies? Play this augmented reality game to learn more about being prepared across a range of different emergencies.