In the event of an eruption like Ruapehu in 1992, ashfall would be the biggest concern.
"But the bigger problem would be the Okataina Volcanic Centre, if that was an eruption it could be huge - which could wipe out a good part of the Bay of Plenty."
An event of that magnitude was, however, highly unlikely.
A Statistics New Zealand survey earlier in the year revealed 26.5 per cent of Bay of Plenty households had basic preparations in place for an emergency.
This was higher than the national average of 22 per cent but it still "wasn't enough", Ms Hitchcock said.
Get Ready Week was a good opportunity for families and businesses to check emergency supplies, update evacuation plans and reacquaint themselves with their neighbours, she said.
"Disasters can strike without warning so I urge local residents to make sure they're prepared for emergencies.
"The Christchurch earthquake and events around the world in recent years are tragic reminders of how important it is to take action so we can look after ourselves and our families."
Get Ready Week events in Rotorua will include marae-based activities for young offenders, a display at Rotorua Library and training and presentations throughout the city.
Civil Defence spokesman Vince Cholewa said New Zealand was prone to a number of natural disasters, but floods were the country's most frequent and costly hazard. Landslides were frequent due to to our steep slopes, active tectonics and high rainfall.
"But while we have high incidences of landslides, there are few deaths because of our low population density."
New Zealand sat right in the path of the "roaring forties" winds, which travelled thousands of kilometres bringing rain, rough seas and sometimes snow, Mr Cholewa said.
Other hazards included 20-30 tornadoes a year - lasting usually less than 15 minutes and most common on the West Coast, and up to 20,000 earthquakes each year.
However, only 150 of these were felt, with an average of 10-20 magnitude 5, and one magnitude 6, quakes a year.
"We get about one magnitude 7 a decade."
Volcanic fields in Taranaki, the North Island Central Plateau, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Whangarei and the Bay of Islands also posed a risk.
"The Auckland volcanic field is probably the most closely monitored volcanic field in the world."
Mr Cholewa said Kiwis should aim to be able to "look after yourself and your loved ones for at least three days or more".
"Many emergencies will affect essential services and possibly disrupt your ability to travel or communicate with each other.
"You may be confined to your home, or forced to evacuate your neighbourhood.
"In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, emergency services will not be able to get help to everyone as quickly as needed."