The countdown for 2024 is on, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is reminding Kiwis to make sure they’re ready for any unwelcome surprises the New Year may bring.
NEMA’s Director of Emergency Management John Price says it’s important to remember that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, even while we’re on holiday.
“We plan for our holidays so let’s plan for our safety. The good news is that getting ready for emergencies can be as easy as packing for a picnic.
“We can’t always predict these emergencies, which is why it’s important to get prepared ahead of time. Last summer, New Zealand experienced both droughts and the devastation of the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
“This summer, we’re seeing thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas, but also the risk of very hot and dry conditions because of El Niño. So we need to be ready for anything.
“EL Nino is likely to bring increased fire danger, heatwaves and a heightened risk of drought.,” says Mr Price. “It’s really important to adhere to all fire and water restrictions, wherever you’re spending your holiday.
“A warm hot summer means more of us will be heading to the beach to cool down. Whenever we’re near the coast, as well as being sun smart and water smart, we need to be tsunami smart.
“NEMA’s recent research showed that our knowledge of what to do in a tsunami has fallen. This is a big worry, because in a locally generated tsunami, the first waves could arrive in minutes. So, immediate evacuation is key to the survival of you and your whānau. This is why it’s so important to know and remember Long or Strong, Get Gone.
“If you are near the coast, if you feel an earthquake that is long – longer than a minute, or strong – it’s hard to stand up, get gone – don’t wait for an official warning.
“Move immediately to high ground or as far inland as possible. You can check NEMA’s national tsunami evacuation map to find out if you live, work, play or holiday in a tsunami zone.
“It’s also important to know how you can stay informed during an emergency – especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Find local radio frequencies, know where you can get local Civil Defence information, and remember that some places won’t have mobile coverage.
“One of the best ways to get yourself and your loved ones prepared for an emergency is to have a prep talk – discuss what might happen and what you will do so that everyone in your household knows the plan,” says Mr Price.
Get summer ready at www.getready.govt.nz/summer
To give you a hand, here’s five tips to get summer ready:
· Stay informed – follow the local Civil Defence group on Facebook, keep up to date with MetService and NZTA, and tune into local radio stations.
· Pack your car with everything you need – food, water, medication, warm blankets – in case you get stranded on the highway.
· Know your zone – check out your tsunami evacuation route at www.getready.govt.nz/tsunami-evacuation-zones
· Store enough emergency water for everyone in your whānau
· Pack emergency grab bags for everyone in your family.
