Shelley Munro Blog

We’re having horrendous weather in New Zealand at the moment - a cyclone with rain and winds gusting up to 170 km an hour. Last night our power blinked out just before seven and it didn’t come back on until about three and a half hours later. I mention this because since the Boxing day tsunami our government has worked hard to make everyone aware of what to do in the case of an emergency. In New Zealand we’re at risk of cyclones, flooding, earthquakes and volcanoes plus of course tsunamis.

Mr. Munro and I have glanced at the mail that’s arrived but haven’t really done much more. Last night proved a test of sorts. We were able to cook because we have gas and had a torch and small tea-light candles. After dinner we watched a DVD and managed to view one and a half episodes of Boston Legal before the battery died. We discovered the radio on hubby’s cellphone really does work. I was even able to read the first chapter of Rachel Vincent’s Stray with hubby’s head torch. Of course, our lot was ten times better than residents in the north of the North Island, and my sympathies are with them all. Today, the army is heading in to help out.

This morning I checked the household emergency list to see what the Civil Defence department advises. We’re actually pretty well prepared, although I do need to stock up on candles. I think some of the big stubby ones would be best since they’re less likely to topple over. I also need a supply of batteries.

They mention having a small bag for a Getaway Kit and to keep it ready for evaculation. Part of this kit should include birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licences and passports, insurance policies and family photos. On a good day I can’t find some of these items, so this is a bit of a worry.

Other items required in everyone’s emergency survival kit are:

Bottled drinking water (at least 3 litres per person per day)
Water for washing and cooking
Non-perishable food and a can opener
A primus or gas barbeque
Waterproof torches and spare batteries
Radio and spare batteries
First aid kit and essential medicines
Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for an emergency toilet
Face and dust masks
Pet supplies
Blankets or sleeping bags
Wind and rain proof clothing
Strong shoes for outdoors
Sun hats and sunscreen

Supplies for Babies and Small Children:

Food, formula and drink
Change of clothing and nappies
Favorite toy or activity

They also recommend that each household comes up with an emergency plan. Each member of the family needs to know where they will meet or leave a message if they can’t get home, who is responsible for collecting children from school, which family member responsible for emergency survival items, the radio station to tune into for civil defence information and the names of neighbors who might be able to help or might need aid in emergency preparations. They also recommend to draw a plan of the house showing where to turn off water, electricity and gas.

For more information visit GetThru

Are you ready for an emergency in your area?