Survival packs a must-have

Kelly Buckley and her daughters are prepared for an emergency PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Food and water for at least three days, a torch, batteries and a radio are some of the basic things people should have ready in case of an emergency, Rotorua Civil Defence says.

Following the recent flooding in Wanganui and the lower North Island, we asked Rotorua Daily Post readers if they would be prepared for an emergency. The responses were mixed.

Mother of two Kelly Buckley is well stocked for a bad situation.

She has an emergency getaway kit in her pantry with about two weeks' supply of non-perishable food as well as a first aid kit, torch and radio.

"We've got food for the cat, soap and Dettol; things we have been given as well, shampoo and a can opener. I have even got a pot. We've got a camping kit with plates and pots - everything is here to go.

"It's just good to know if anything happened I could just pick it up and run. It's got all the important numbers as well."

She also has a day bag for her two daughters, Charlotte, 7, and Annabell, 2, packed with warm clothes.

Civil Defence says people need to be prepared for the worst.

"It is important that residents and businesses prepare for emergencies and, in particular, develop household emergency and business continuity plans, and understand the correct actions they might need to take," Civil Defence emergency management co-ordinator Linda Johnston said.

Rotorua woman Kasey Eleanor admits she would not be prepared in the event of an emergency.

"I don't even have a torch or batteries but I do make candles so we would be prepared like that.

"I have three small children and animals so it's something to think about.

"It's made me think - I should start stocking up on canned food. We don't generally eat it because we like to eat fresh."

Kasey Eleanor, with daughter Maia, 10, is going to set up an emergency getaway kit. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

She said she would become prepared but felt information around disasters and what to do was not readily available.

"I don't think there is enough info, unless you research it but some people wouldn't know how."

GNS Science duty volcanologist Steve Sherburn said Rotorua would be warned in advance of any natural disasters. "The one that would affect Rotorua most likely would be a volcanic eruption or a moderate-sized earthquake.

"Something like that would have a major impact on the city and surrounding communities.

"We would see it coming and there would be lots of discussion and the putting in place of existing plans."

Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino said Rotorua was not likely to experience floods in the near future, but extreme weather would affect the entire country in coming years with "more intense weather in terms of rain, or lack thereof".

"More extreme weather events are expected to become more likely and more common in the coming decades with our evolving climate.

"I think the big thing here is there will be a rise in extreme rainfall.

"Droughts in the entire eastern North Island region are expected to double or triple by 2040."

For more information on how to prepare visit www.getthru.govt.nz