Be Prepared with a Household Emergency Kit

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that circumstances can change in a very short space of time. Are you prepared for an emergency event? If the answer is no, we have put together a list of recommendations to help get you on your way to having a complete household emergency kit. 

The information has been taken from the NZ Government website and the MOH emergency management page.

Create a plan for your household

Get everyone together and agree on a plan so that if and when an emergency event happens, you will all know what to do. Being prepared will save precious time and will also ease the amount of stress you might be under, so that you can stay as safe as possible.  

YOUR KIT

Grab Bags for Everyone

Each family member should have a grab bag in an easily accessible place. Each bag should include clothing, toiletries and medications, a torch and radio, emergency water and snacks. Clothing should include wind and waterproof gear, sun hats and strong outdoor shoes. 

Food and Water

Canned food + can opener. Think canned soups and ready made meals

Dried food. Heat & serve noodles, nuts, fruit, milk powders

Drinking Water. At least 3 litres per person, per day

How to store drinking water

Baby food

Pet food - Take pets with you in an evacuation situation

Water for washing and cooking

Gas cooker or barbecue

Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic.

Check and replace food and water every 12 months.

Bare Minimum: The NZ Government’s advice suggests having enough supplies to be able to look after yourself and your family for at least three days.

Survival Items

Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging torch

Radio with spare batteries

First Aid kit + essential medicines

Blankets / sleeping bags / survival blankets

Toilet Paper + large rubbish bags (to create an emergency loo)

Dust masks and gloves

Sanitiser / wipes / detergent

Candles / matches / lighters

Create copies of important documents

Passports, driver’s licenses and birth certificates, property valuations, insurance policies, medical scripts.

Backup discs of anything important on your computers, including photos. 

Ways to stay informed during an emergency:

• Listen to the radio
• Check online for local and National updates
• Take note of Emergency Mobile Alerts
• Stay in touch with neighbours and people in your local community

Handy Links

https://getready.govt.nz/

https://www.govt.nz/browse/housing-and-property/home-emergency-checklist/

https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/emergency-management

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