What with earthquakes, extreme weather, fire and floods, New Zealand can indeed seem like the Four Elements’ playground. It’s natural to fear what is in store next but planning and preparation can make a huge difference to how we cope when bad days come.
Think about who you expect to come to your aid. Talk about this with your family/whānau, friends and neighbours. In a disaster these people may not be able to help you so take account of this. Plan to be able to look after yourself for at least three days, and think about having more than one person you could call on. It works both ways, too. Your neighbours are often the first people on hand in an emergency, and you may be able to help them as much as they help you. Getting to know them now is part of being prepared.
Make a household emergency plan. If you live with others, decide where you'll meet if you're separated, who you would contact, and how you would get in touch if phone lines are down or overloaded. Keep a written list of important phone numbers in case your phone's battery runs out.
In an emergency, follow the instructions in any Emergency Mobile Alert sent to your phone, and listen to the radio for updates.
Prepare a survival kit. Include a torch and a radio with spare batteries for both; a cellphone, charger lead, and a charged power bank; wind- and waterproof clothing; sun hat and strong outdoor shoes; work gloves and a properly fitted P2 or N95 mask; and a first aid kit and a spare supply of essential medicines.
For a prolonged emergency, you'll also need a stock of food and water. Think about what you will need if you lose power, water, sewerage, or other basic services. Aim for at least three days' worth, and a week or more if you can - you can build this up over time. Store at least nine litres of water for each person (three liters a day), and check with your local Civil Defence group, as some regions recommend more. Choose long-lasting food that doesn't need cooking, unless you have a camping stove or gas barbeque. If water and sewerage lines are damaged, you'll need toilet paper and large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet. And don't forget food and water for your pets.
Pack a grab bag. This should include sensible warm clothing, footwear, basic toiletries, a raincoat and hat, water, and some snack food. Make a note to yourself: 'Remember your medication, glasses, hearing aid, paperwork’ (as relevant) and fasten this to the top of the bag. Keep it all handy and in the same place so it is easy to pick up if you have to leave.
Think, too, about what you rely on day to day and how you would manage without it:
- Medicines. Keep a spare supply, along with a list of what you take and the doses.
- Hearing aids and glasses. Pack spare hearing aid batteries, and a spare pair of glasses if you have one.
- Mobility aids. Think about how you would leave in a hurry if you use a walker, wheelchair or mobility scooter.
- Medical equipment that needs power. If you rely on equipment such as an oxygen concentrator, talk to your health provider about a backup plan.
- Home support. Your carers or support workers may not be able to reach you. Ask your provider what their emergency plan is.
- Special dietary needs. Have enough food for at least three days at home, and be ready to take it with you, as emergency shelters may not have what you need.
Civil Defence has extensive information about planning for emergencies.
Updated: 21 Oct 2026