Have emergency supplies

Official advice suggests we should have a week’s worth of water and food for everyone in our households. However, this may be out of reach for many people – due to the financial outlay in assembling an emergency food supply, or space considerations in small houses, apartments or shared accommodation.

Important points to note:

• Something is always better than nothing.
• Aim for a minimum of three days’ food and water – you can build this over time by adding an extra tin of food here and there, and gradually increasing the amount of basic food you keep at home. Check expiry dates frequently and follow the practice of first-in, first-out.
• Ask your GP if you can get prescription supplies of common medicines like Panadol, allergy medicine or cold/flu relief – they are often much cheaper. You can also ask for an extra week’s supply of any prescription medicines to keep in your emergency kit.
• Water doesn’t need to be commercially bottled. You can store water in clean plastic containers.
• You will already have a lot of useful supplies in your whare/home: blankets on your bed, clothes in your wardrobe, items in your bathroom. Don’t forget items in your fridge and freezer, too.
• Neighbours can help each other out by sharing resources like barbecues and portable gas stoves.

Your house is already full of emergency items disguised as everyday things – as long as you know where they are and can find them in a hurry and/or in the dark! Make sure everyone in your household knows where the torches and batteries are.

Some parts of New Zealand could be cut off without basic services for longer than three days during an emergency. Check with your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for specific guidance about your region.

Your household emergency supplies should include:

• Water for a minimum of three days, or a week or more if you can – make sure you have at least nine litres of water for every person.
• A minimum of three days, or a week or more if you can, of food and consider how you will cook it (do you have a camping stove or BBQ?). Include food for babies and pets if they are in your household.
• Medicines and copies of prescriptions (names/dosage).
• USB chargers and/or portable charging devices (such as power banks) to charge your mobile phone. Some solar- and battery-powered radios can also be used to charge phones.
• Torch and batteries. Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest.
  • Do not use candles as they can tip over in a gust of wind or in earthquake aftershocks and start a fire.
  • Do not use kerosene lamps, they need a lot of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.
• A solar- or battery-powered radio (or your car radio), so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts.
• A large plastic bucket with a tight lid (or large rubbish bags), toilet paper, and disinfectant, for an emergency toilet.
• Dust masks (rated P2 or N95) and work gloves, to protect yourself. Masks can be useful in emergencies caused by a number of different hazards, such as during pandemics and volcanic eruptions or when cleaning up after a flood or tsunami.
• A small fire extinguisher. For advice on fire extinguishers and how to use them, visit fireandemergency.nz/at-home/fire-extinguishers/
• Camping stove and enough fuel to use it for a minimum of three days.

By looking after yourself and your whānau, you’ll help emergency services focus their attention on people who need the most help.

Household water supplies, including drinking water, can be affected in an emergency. It is important to have a supply of stored water – either commercially-bottled water, or your own containers filled from the tap.

Some parts of New Zealand could be without water for longer than three days during an emergency. Check with your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to see how much water they recommend people in your region should store.

How much water to store

You should have a minimum of three litres of drinking water per person per day for three days – that is, 9 litres per person – for drinking and basic sanitation. Ideally, you would have a week’s worth: 21 litres per person.

Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double the amount of water you need.

You will need additional water for washing and cooking.

You will also need more water for your pets and livestock to drink and be cleaned with. The amount needed will depend on their sizes and the conditions. Remember that animals often drink more water than usual when under stress. The Ministry for Primary Industries provides guidance on water requirements for different animals in emergencies.

Commercially bottled water

If you choose to purchase commercially bottled water, store in the original sealed container and do not open it until you need to use it. Observe and replace according to the expiration or “use by” date.

Storing your own water

There are many different options for storing your own water. Some suggested options include:

• Water or soft drink bottles
  • If you are reusing containers, two-litre plastic water or soft-drink bottles are best. You can also purchase food-grade water-storage containers from hardware or camping supplies stores.
    1. Do not use cardboard containers. These containers are not designed for long-term storage of liquids and can leak easily.
    2. Do not use containers that have had milk in them. Milk proteins cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them.

• Do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.

• 10-20 litre containers
  • These larger containers are available from hardware stores.
• 200-litre water tanks
  • 200-litre tanks can be attached to downpipes or used to store tap water. Cover all holes in the tank if you are using it to store tap water. These tanks are available from water tank manufacturers. Some councils have larger tanks for sale at reduced prices. Details for the Wellington region councils are here, or contact your local council to see if they can assist you with purchasing a tank.
• Larger tanks
  • Larger tanks are available directly from manufacturers and hardware stores. Before purchasing a larger tank, check with your local council to see if there are any planning requirements you need to consider when installing a larger water tank. More information on how to keep tank water safe.

Prepare containers of water

If you are preparing your own containers of water, follow the directions below for selecting, cleaning, and filling the containers with water:

1. Thoroughly clean the containers and lids with hot water (not boiling, as this will damage the bottle).
2. Fill the containers to top with regular tap water until it overflows. Remove a very small amount to allow for the addition of five drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach per litre of water. A list of how much bleach to add to different volumes of water can be found here.
   • Do not use bleaches that contain added scent or perfume, surfactants or other additives – they can make people sick.
   • Do not drink the water for at least 30 minutes after adding bleach.
3. Tightly close the containers using the original caps, making sure there are no air gaps.
   • Be careful not to contaminate the caps by touching the inside of them with your fingers.
4. Place a date on the outside of the containers so that you know when you filled them.
5. Store them in a cool, dark place. If possible, store in two different places in case one is not accessible in an emergency.
6. Check the bottles every six months, for example at the beginning and end of daylight saving. If the water is not clear, throw the water out and repeat steps 2 to 5 above.

You can fill clean plastic ice cream containers with water, cover, label and keep in the freezer. These can help keep food cool if the power is off and can also be used for drinking when thawed.

Your hot water cylinder and toilet cistern are valuable sources of water. Check that your hot water cylinder and header tank are well secured. The toilet cistern is only safe to use if no chemical toilet cleaner is present. Boil water for one minute before drinking. It is OK to use jugs with an automatic cut-off switch as long as they are full. Under no circumstances should the switch be held down to increase boiling time.

Collect rainwater by either placing a clean container outside to catch rain or by disconnecting the downpipe from the roof and filling a container. Boil water for one minute before drinking. It is OK to use jugs with an automatic cut-off switch as long as they are full. Under no circumstances should the switch be held down to increase boiling time. Alternatively, disinfect with plain, unperfumed household bleach (five drops per litre of water). Do not drink the water for at least 30 minutes after adding bleach. Reserve one clean utensil to use as a dipper.

DO NOT collect drinking water from the roof if it is contaminated with ash, smoke or any other debris.

Familiar foods can lift morale and help people feel secure in time of stress. Try to include foods that everyone will enjoy. Look for foods high in calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Look for canned foods with high liquid content in case water is scarce.

Store long lasting food that doesn’t need cooking (unless you have a camping stove (and fuel) or BBQ), as power and gas may not be available. Remember to ensure you have a can opener if you are storing canned food.

Suggested food to store:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
• Canned juice, long-life or powdered milk, and soup.
• High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jam, salt-free crackers and energy bars.
• Scroggin or trail mix (pre-packaged or homemade).
• Comfort foods such as hard sweets, sweetened cereals, snack bars, and biscuits.
• Instant coffee, tea bags.
• Compressed food bars. They store well, are lightweight, taste good, and are nutritious.
• Dried or bulk foods like dried fruit, nuts or crackers – also pasta, rice and dried beans. Avoid very salty foods, as they may increase thirst.
• Freeze-dried foods. They are tasty and lightweight but will need water for reconstitution.
• Whole-grain cereals (oatmeal, whole-wheat, multi-grain).
• Instant meals. Cups of noodles or cups of soup are a good addition, although they need water for reconstitution and may contain a lot of salt.
• Snack-sized canned goods, which generally have pull-top lids or twist-open keys.
• Pre-packaged beverages. Those in foil packets and foil-lined boxes are sealed and will keep for a long time if the seal is not broken.
• Foods for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets.
• Non-perishable foods for pets and other animals.

When selecting foods, keep in mind that:

• Salty foods are usually not a good choice, because they will make you thirsty and drinking water may be in short supply.
• Commercially dehydrated foods often require a lot of water for reconstitution and effort to prepare.
• Glass bottles and jars can easily break in an earthquake.
• Whole grains, beans, and dried pasta require water for preparation and cooking. Water can be in short supply in an emergency.

Special dietary requirements

If you or someone in your household has special dietary needs, make sure you have sufficient stock of these food items for a minimum of three days, or a week or more if you can. Include a supply of your special food items in your grab bag too. Emergency shelters are unlikely to have the special food items you may need.

Keep a first aid kit in your whare/home, in your car and in your grab bag.

Find the location of first aid kits where you work.

Remember to include prescription drugs with your emergency survival items. Because the storage requirements of prescription drugs vary, some may have to be added to your first aid kit at the last minute, such as those stored in the fridge. You may want to pin or tape a note to the outside of your first aid kit container reminding you to take along prescription drugs if you have to evacuate.

Suggested contents for a basic first aid kit

First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. Your local chemist or supermarket may sell them. You can purchase one from St John or the Red Cross.

• St John first aid kits
• Red Cross first aid kits

You can also make your own first aid kit. A basic first aid kit may contain:

• Plasters (in a variety of sizes and shapes).
• Sterile gauze dressings (small, medium and large).
• Sterile eye dressings (at least 2).
• Triangular bandages.
• Crêpe rolled bandages.
• Safety pins.
• Disposable sterile gloves.
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes.
• Sticky tape.
• Thermometer (preferably digital).
• Skin rash cream (such as hydrocortisone).
• Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings.
• Antiseptic cream.
• Painkillers, such as paracetamol (and infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), and ibuprofen.
• Cough medicine.
• Antihistamine cream or tablets.
• Distilled water for cleaning wounds.
• Eye wash and eye bath.
• CPR breathing barrier with one-way valve (for protection during rescue breathing or CPR).
• Alcohol gel

It may also be useful to keep a basic first aid manual with your first aid kit.

Red Cross have a First Aid App that provides a free and comprehensive guide to first aid and emergency response.

First aid training

If someone you care for is injured in an emergency, your knowledge of first aid may be the difference between life and death.

Many organisations provide first aid training courses. It is recommended that you take a First Aid course, followed by regular refresher sessions.

In some emergency situations, the water supply may be cut off, or water and sewage lines may be damaged, and you may need to use improvised emergency toilets.

How to make a basic emergency toilet

Use sturdy, watertight containers that can hold approximately 15 – 20 litres, such as a rubbish bin or an empty paint bucket, with a snug-fitting cover.

If the container is small, keep a large container with a snug-fitting cover for waste disposal.

1. Line buckets with plastic bags (if possible).
2. Pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant (such as chlorine bleach) into the container each time the toilet is used, to reduce odour and germs. If you don’t have disinfectant, you can use dirt and dry materials (such as sawdust, dry leaves, soil or shredded newspaper).
3. Replace the lid after each use.
4. After using the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
5. When you reach capacity, empty the waste into a large storage bin, such as a wheelie bin and follow instructions from local authorities or public health about how to dispose of it. If you have a garden, you can bury the waste outside. Make sure the hole is away from any water source, above the groundwater table and far away from any vegetable gardens.

Instructions for making an emergency two-bucket toilet that separates solid waste (poos) and liquid waste (wees) and a long-drop toilet are available on the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office website.

If you have to evacuate, you will need essential items that you can carry with you. It’s ideal to store these items in a grab bag, ready for you to take if you have to leave in a hurry – but if that’s out of reach right now, figure out what you’ve already got in your whare/home, and make sure you know where these items are kept so you can grab them quickly.

If you can, ensure that everyone has easy access to a grab bag at mahi/work and at home. You can store a grab bag in your car so that you are never far from it.

Basic supplies to have in a grab bag in case you have to evacuate:

• Torches and batteries.
• Radio (solar, wind up or battery powered).
• Hand sanitiser.
• Copies of important documents (online or paper). You can do this by taking a photo or a scan of an important document on your smartphone.
• Walking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat and hat.
• First aid kit and prescription medicine.
• Water and snack food (remember babies and pets too).
• Chargers for your phone and any other devices you may need. If your car has a 12v power outlet or a cigarette lighter, consider including a USB phone charger which will plug in to it.

If an emergency happens while you are at mahi/work, it’s important to be ready. Employers must have a workplace emergency plan, but it’s also a good idea to keep a basic emergency kit at your mahi/work, under your desk or in your locker.

Basic supplies could include:

• Water and snack food.
• Walking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat and hat.
• Cash (as electronic banking services may not be available).
• Hand sanitiser, small first aid kit, prescription medicine.
• Chargers for your phone and any other devices you need.

Plan ahead for what you will do if you are in your car in an emergency. You may be stranded in your vehicle for some time. A major traffic accident, flood or snowstorm can make it impossible to proceed.

In addition to the basic vehicle safety items – a properly inflated spare tyre, wheel wrench and jack – keep a grab bag and a first aid kit in your vehicle.

Additional items could include:

• A fire extinguisher, jumper cables, bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, a USB phone charger, toilet tissue and pre-moistened towelettes in case you break down or get stuck.
• When driving in extreme winter conditions or cold climates, you should add a windshield scraper, brush, shovel, tire chains and warm clothing. Blankets or sleeping bags will keep you warm and can also be used to cover the ground when making repairs or changing tyres. Extra socks and shoes are helpful if your feet get wet or you are wearing non-waterproof shoes.

Check your vehicle supplies regularly for expired or unusable items.

It is a good idea to keep some fuel in your tank at all times in case of an emergency. Petrol stations may not be able to operate pumps if there are power cuts, and roads may be blocked or damaged preventing you from getting to a petrol station.