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Check for road closures and delays before you travel
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 and in your grab bag. If you have to evacuate, emergency shelters may not have the food that you need.
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.
A grab bag is a small bag with essential supplies. Have one ready for everyone in your family.
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.
Find out from your local council if your home or business is at risk from flooding. They may have resources and information on how to reduce potential flood damage. They can also advise you about:
Review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back on your feet if you suffer damage in a disaster.
Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.
Practise your emergency plan and your evacuation route to higher ground.
Take measures to reduce potential flood damage and make sure your insurance policy covers you for flood damage.
Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water. You'll need at least three litres of drinking water per person per day (at least nine litres per person for the three days). This equates to four 2.25 litre soft-drink bottles. This will be enough for drinking and basic hygiene.
You should store more if you can. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double the amount required.
Children, nursing mothers and ill people will also need more.
Be sure to include drinking and clean-up water for your pets. The amount needed will depend on their sizes and the conditions. Remember that pets often drink more water than usual when under stress.
You will need more water if you want to wash, cook or clean with water, or if the emergency is long.
Some parts of New Zealand could be without water for longer than three days during an emergency. Your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group can recommend how much you should store.
If the power goes out, a solar or battery-powered radio (or your car radio) can help you keep up to date with the latest news. In an emergency, tune in to these stations:
Get to know your neighbours. In an emergency, you’ll be able to help each other while civil defence and emergency services are busy helping people who need them most.
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