Preparing for a natural disaster
Although natural disasters are rare, it’s best to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do.
1. Talk to your family at home
Decide how you will get information to them. This could be by:
- phone
- text
- contacting your embassy.
In some circumstances, your usual means of communication might not be available, so have a back-up plan. Know where and how to contact your embassy.
Tell your family how to get information about you if there's an emergency. Their best places to start will be:
If they don't speak English, tell them to contact your embassy in New Zealand.
2. Talk to your friends in Wellington
Decide on a place to meet—this could be the local church, civil defence centre or your home. Have a plan for who’ll try to contact whom.
3. Create a personal emergency kit
Think about what you might need in an emergency. This could include:
- medication
- canned food
- water
- warm clothes
- emergency contact numbers
- a basic first aid kit
- radio
- torch.
Store your kit somewhere safe in your house.
4. Know your emergency response
Remember to stay calm.
In:
- a fire—leave the building quickly and calmly. Don’t take the elevator
- an earthquake—stay inside the building. Take shelter under a table or drop, cover and hold
- a tsunami—move quickly to higher ground. Don’t return until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
Once you’re in a safe place:
- call for help if you’re injured (dial 111)
- let someone know you’re okay
- let the University know you’re safe—if no one answers the phone, leave a message
- listen to the radio to find out what to do next.
More information about preparing for a disaster in New Zealand.