New Zealanders are increasingly dropping the ball when it comes to emergency preparedness – but the good news is. lifting our game is easy, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NEMA has released its annual preparedness survey, which shows that only 38% of Kiwis took steps to get prepared in the last twelve months – down from 43% last year.
“You wouldn’t expect our top sports teams to go into a major competition without preparation, and 94% of people agree that it’s important to get prepared for an emergency, ” says John Price, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA.
“The emergency management ‘game’ is about preventing harm – and we want all New Zealanders to ‘win’.
“But as a nation, we’re not putting in the hard yards before the game – that is, making sure we are prepared for emergencies and know what to do. We need to know how to reduce harm to our whānau, communities and even pets, and practice keeping ourselves safe.”
Mr Price says the increased complexity, intensity, and frequency of climate change, together with the looming risk of the Alpine Fault, the Hikurangi subduction fault and other seismic hazards, is changing the face of emergencies in New Zealand – and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.
“In an emergency, authorities will always do everything they can to help people who need it – but realistically, some people are more vulnerable than others.
“People and communities are first responders in any emergency – so if our communities are well prepared, it means emergency managers can concentrate on getting life-saving help to the people who need it most.”
The survey showed that many people don’t prepare because of the high cost of living and perceived cost of preparing.
Mr Price says the good news is getting prepared is surprisingly easy – and cheaper than you might think. Having a plan, being prepared and practicing is free, and taking a few minutes now will keep you safe tomorrow. You can make a plan, and access practical tips and advice in multiple languages and formats, at www.getready.govt.nz.
“People often think preparing for an emergency means spending money on supplies. What’s more important is having a ‘prep talk’ with your household.
“Practice Drop, Cover and Hold, and if you live, work, or play in a coastal area, check NEMA’s tsunami evacuation zone map, and plan your evacuation route: https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/
“When an emergency happens, we can’t assume we’ll be spectators. We all have a role to play, and we need to be ready to rise to the big-match challenge. These steps cost nothing but could save your and your loved ones’ lives.”
The independent survey was undertaken by The Research Agency (TRA) on behalf of NEMA.
