Maybe the expectation that everyone carries a survival kit with them at all times is what turns many people off. And then there is the uncertainty about how long essentials, such as bottled water, will last and where to store it so it’s accessible when it is needed.
It is great to see modern building techniques have proven their worth — wavering about in the earthquake rather than collapsing — but the quake shows the importance of being prepared.Power cuts, burst water mains and impassable roads force people to a level of self-sufficiency that’s far greater than growing a few silverbeets in the backyard.
Short of digging a bunker in every backyard and filling it with batteries, gas stoves and baked beans, what are realistic plans every resident in East Manukau should make?
Every household needs to have a safety plan, and know where to go to if the roof blows off in a hurricane or the walls fall down. Sheltering under a sturdy table, away from breaking glass and falling objects, is a good plan. Don’t go outside until it is deemed safe, but if you are out in the garden move away from places where debris will drop.
Water is essential for survival and the Civil Defence website www.getthru.govt.nz has bucket-loads of information. A few drops of bleach and filling bottles to overflowing to omit any air from the container are all it takes to safely store water. Before using water it may need straining and boiling.
Storing non-perishable food is all very well, but don’t forget a can opener and some sort of heating device. A barbecue is a great standby but only if the gas bottle is full. Camp stoves should be stored in an accessible spot, rather than buried under a mountain of garage clutter.
Treating injuries, burns, gastroenteritis and hypothermia are all a possibility, so if the family first-aid kit consists of a box of sticking plasters it’s well overdue for an upgrade. And, since most Aucklanders seem to depend on little more than a pop-up umbrella for protection from the elements, a decent weatherproof jacket is an essential item.
Trying to access information when the power is out is near impossible unless you have a fully charged mobile device that can connect to the internet, assuming the service providers are up and running.
Even the most cynical can’t ignore the havoc that has hit Christchurch so check www.getthru.govt.nz now and be prepared.
