Recent tragic disasters in the news are a reminder of how sudden and unexpected such events can occur - and the necessity to be prepared.
Most of us have the mandatory matches, candles and torch hidden in the bottom drawer in the kitchen somewhere. But what if a natural disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina or the Pakistan earthquake should hit?How prepared are we? What exactly should be in an Emergency Survival Kit? Does your family have a meeting place and a contingency plan should an emergency situation occur? These are the kinds of questions that need to be addressed in order to prepare for a natural disaster.
For the last couple of years New Zealand Disaster Reduction Week has been coinciding with UN International Disaster Reduction Day. The key message for Disaster Reduction Week 2005 (October 9-15) that the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) would like to come across of preparedness. It's about creating and encouraging resilient communities.
The disaster most likely to occur in Nelson is a flood. Flooding is at the top of the list as far as declared civil defence emergencies in New Zealand go.
Scientists believe that within the next 20 years a major earthquake will occur on the South Island Alpine Fault. Meanwhile other significant natural disasters include snow, wind, landslide, coastal erosion, storm surge and tsunami.
Sarah Holland, the emergency management officer for Civil Defence in the Nelson region, says households need to look closely at their own immediate area. Rural areas should be prepared for a wildfire, for instance.When disaster hits, people and communities are vulnerable not only to its destructive force but also lifeline utilities such as power, water, sewerage, communications and transport systems.
Threats of international terrorism, and the potential release of hazardous substances or organisms means we have a range of natural and manmade hazards that could impact us significantly. Holland stresses that while Civil Defence is here to help, in a disaster the immediate aftermath would undoubtedly mean that resources would be concentrated on restoring essential services. For this reason people should have an emergency survival kit, as they could well face being on their own for a few days.
Holland is concerned that the average Nelson household and business is not prepared for a disaster. It's a case of all talk and often no action.People have to realise, she says, that the days are gone of Civil Defence immediately coming to the rescue."There aren't going to be any knights in shining armour. People need to be prepared." says Holland.
So where should you start?
You can download your household emergency checklist, and household emergency plan, from the Ministry of Civil Defence emergency management web site http://www.civildefence.govt.nz. The front of the yellow pages is also a useful resource.
If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs.
Your Kit should contain:
* Canned or dried food
* A can opener
* A primus or BBQ to cook on
* Bottled water (3 litres per person per day)
* Check and renew the food and water every 12 months.
Emergency Items
* First Aid Kit and essential medicines
* Spare toilet paper and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
* Pet supplies
* Waterproof torches and spare batteries
* Radio and spare batteries (check the batteries every three months)
Emergency Clothing
* Wind proof and rainproof
* Sun hats
* Blankets or sleeping bags
* Strong shoes for outdoors
* Supplies for Babies and Small Children
* Food and drink
* Change of clothing
* Favourite toy or activity
* Special Supplies for Those with Disabilities
* Hearing aids
* Mobility aids
* Glasses
Three days of supplies takes a bit of organising and involves some expense.
Holland suggests starting with water. Wash out and then fill up old juice or fizzy drink bottles. If you fill bottles to the brim and store them in a dark place they will keep for 12 months. Holland advises against using old milk bottles.
A sample list of food you would need includes cereal for breakfasts, soup, noodles, tinned tuna or corned beef for lunches, tinned stew or baked beans and tinned fruit for dinner, and muesli bars, peanuts, crackers and chocolate for snacks.
A torch with a spare battery is crucial. Holland recommends that people use chemical lightsticks rather than candles, as they are much safer. Another highly recommended item is a battery-powered radio, with spare batteries in order to keep informed. Holland says you could use a car radio.
KIT HINTS
Some hints about your Disaster Survival Kit
*Put all items, especially the blankets and clothing into plastic bags (leak proof) to keep them dry.
*Keep the Disaster Survival Kit in a place which will be easily accessible in an emergency.
*Make sure everyone in the house can find it in the dark.
*Make someone responsible for checking (and renewing) the food and water every 12 months.
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