BE PREPARED                               See also Civil Defence Emergency Management Plans Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, often without warning.  Be prepared before disaster strikes. We can’t prevent disasters but we can take some simple steps to ensure we will be able to cope. All of us must think ahead and be prepared by involving the whole family. Know what to do before you have to do it.

Develop a household emergency plan which includes: Where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm. Who is responsible for checking essential items in your Emergency Survival Kit. How to turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains. How to maintain contact with each other during an emergency. How to contact your local civil defence organisation for assistance during an emergency. If possible: Know the local Civil Defence warning system. Know where your nearest Civil Defence or Community Emergency Centre is. Learn First Aid Know how to control small fires, and how to escape from a fire.

Survival Kit                                              

Food and water

Collect enough food and water for at least three days:

• Canned or dried food.  (Check and renew every 12 months)
• A can opener.
• A portable gas stove (primus) or barbeque to cook on.
• Bottled water (3 litres per person per day).  (Check and renew ever 3 months)

Emergency items

• First Aid Kit and essential medicines.
• Spare toilet paper, a bucket and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet.
• Waterproof torches and spare batteries.
• Radio and spare batteries. (Check the batteries every three months.)
• Pet supplies.

Emergency clothing

• Windproof and rainproof.
• Sun hats.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Strong shoes for outdoors.

Put all items, especially blankets and clothing, into leak proof plastic bags.

Special supplies

For babies and small children:

• Food and drink.
• Changes of clothing.
• A favourite toy or activity.

People with disabilities

Remember any:

• Hearing aids.
• Mobility aids.
• Glasses.