KEY POINTS:
How would you cope in a natural disaster? Today is International Day for Disaster Reduction, but the day stretches to a week in New Zealand as civil defence authorities urge the public to be prepared.
Auckland Region Civil Defence executive manager Ben Stallworthy said the main message of Disaster Awareness Week was to have a plan.
"A sensible precaution is to sit down with families and loved ones to prepare an emergency plan that covers them at home, work and school. If you've got a family they need to know how to contact you and what to do if something happens when you're at work."
He said information on being prepared for an emergency was available on most council websites, the Yellow Pages and www.getthru.govt.nz.
"In an emergency, our main concern is about public safety, and if we know that people can look after themselves we can direct resources to where the need is greatest."
Tips for preparing for disaster:
* Be prepared to cope on your own for up to three days.
* Prepare an emergency kit with an AM/FM radio, spare batteries, toilet paper, face and dust masks, blankets or sleeping bags, wind or rainproof clothing, strong shoes for outside, sun hats and sunscreen.
* Ensure you have supplies of waterproof torches, batteries, non-perishable or canned food, a can opener, a primus or gas barbecue to cook on, and three litres of water per person, per day. Keep aside water for washing and cooking.
* Prepare a getaway kit in case you need to evacuate. Include copies of birth and marriage certificates, driver's licences and passports, financial information and family photos. Personal items should include towels, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, sanitary items, and hearing aids, glasses or mobility aids for elderly or vulnerable members of your household.
* Complete a Household Emergency Plan available at www.getthru.govt.nz
