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A letter from a grateful tourist who was evacuated to Wellington after the Christchurch earthquake in
February 2011, commending CDEM volunteers for their support and customer care.

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 Course Schedule
Module 1 - Personal & Community Preparedness
6.15pm 9.30pm
In the first class the purpose of Civil Defence Volunteers before, during and
after an emergency event is discussed, emphasising the importance of
preparedness in our household and our community. You will learn the easy
steps to being prepared and the key messages to promote to the
community.

Module 2 - Sourcing & Communicating Emergency Information

6.30pm 9.30pm
Class covers the key concepts of Emergency Management and how they fit
into the Civil Defence structure.
During an emergency, gathering and analysing information are key to a
response. You will learn about the various steps in this process and how to
use a radio to communicate information to the Emergency Operations
Centre.

Module 3 - Providing Comfort in the Community

6.30pm 9.30pm
You will learn the principles of keeping themselves safe and managing their
stress levels while working during an emergency.
Emergency welfare consists of providing comfort and assistance for people
affected by an event. You will learn the key principles for this role.

Module 4 - Working with Your Community after a Large Disaster

6.30pm - 9.30pm
The final class provides you with the basics of opening and operating a Civil
Defence Centre and working with the community after a large disaster.

This manual was developed by the

Wellington Region Emergency Management Office 2012.
WREMO CR00 : July 2012

The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office would like to recognise the
contribution of three of our CDEM Volunteers - Natalie Kerschner, Georgina Wedge and
Rebecca Jackson, in the development of this training manual.

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WELCOME ABOARD!

Welcome to our CDEM Its Easy, Preparing to Help our Community training course.

The term Civil Defence traditionally means preparing a community to respond to a

disaster and is a term that is familiar and recognised by the community. Emergency
Management is a contemporary approach to comprehensively assessing and
managing hazards, creating resiliency against risks, and responding to and recovering
from an emergency event. These terms are used individually or together, as Civil
Defence Emergency Management or CDEM, to mean the same thing.

When a disaster strikes, volunteers and other members of the community play an
important role in helping communities to respond and recover, therefore we prefer to
think of CDEM as Community-Driven Emergency Management.

Thank you for taking the time to learn how to help your community before, during and
after emergencies.

Having completed this informative training for CDEM there are three situations in which
you might find yourself in a CDEM role. These include:
Helping our community prepare for an emergency by promoting being prepared
through your networks.
Working with your community during or after an emergency event.
Continuing on to become of our registered Volunteers, where you will be able to
assist us promote our preparedness message at events such as galas and fairs,

Your involvement in CDEM may become a discussion point between you and your
family, friends and other networks. You will be one of our Partners in Preparedness,
and your knowledge can help others to become better prepared.

The course
This course is four sessions long - you must attend all four sessions and complete the
associated assessments to complete the course. You need to attend the first session
first as this provides the context and forms the basis for the rest of the course. We are
flexible for the other three sessions so if you cant make it to a session for whatever
reason youre welcome to catch that up on a future course anywhere around the
region, however and whenever it best suits you.

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Before each session you are required to read the associated section of the manual.
The class sessions build upon and reinforce the information in the manual and are
designed to be engaging and interactive.

After you have read the manual, complete the self-knowledge review
to confirm your understanding of the material. Take note of any Bring any questions you
topics you would like to discuss in class and bring the review to hand have from the readings
in. After the class you will be emailed a link to an online multi-choice along to the class for
assessment. The pass mark for these assessments is 80 per cent. If group discussion.
you dont pass the assessment you will be given an opportunity to try
again.

The three guiding principles

At WREMO we have three key principles that we keep in mind with everything we do
whether we are preparing for, or responding to, emergencies, especially when
interacting with our community. We will revisit these principles each week in regards to
that session.

Customer Service
With all the excitement taking place during an emergency, the needs of people who are
directly affected can sometimes be overlooked. In emergency management, the
people affected by an event are our customers, without them we wouldnt be there
helping. We go out of our way to find solutions for anyone that comes through our
door. A smile goes a long way in stressful situations. If you find yourself participating
in a response, treat people how you would want to be treated yourself.

Coordination
Emergency management is largely about allocating the right resources to an identified
problem. Everyone involved in a response must work towards the same objectives and
under the same guidelines, ensuring any actions are in coordination with the wider
operation to avoid duplication and gaps.

Flexibility
Flexibility is similar to adaptability. The only certainty in an emergency is that nothing
will go completely according to plan. Therefore, instead of dictating every step of an
emergency response, we provide training that empowers our volunteers to achieve
objectives using a flexible, solutions-based approach. If something doesnt work as
expected, smile, consider your objective and find a way to make it work. Roll with the
punches and be flexible in achieving a positive outcome.

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CDEM Volunteer
Once you have completed these four sessions, you may choose to continue on to
become a Civil Defence Emergency Management Volunteer (CDEM Volunteer).

This would involve meeting with one of our Community Resilience team members to
discuss your strengths and interests. You will also be required to have a police check
done.

We will refer to the role of a CDEM Volunteer throughout this manual, both so you have
a good understanding of the role they play, and also to give you an insight to the role if
you choose to continue with the process.

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Personal & Community Preparedness

During this module you will learn about:

hazards & their impacts in the Wellington Region
prepared households and neighbourhoods
different community initiatives that increase
connectedness and preparedness
educating others on how to reduce and mitigate risks.

Living with risks like earthquakes or fires is a natural part of everyday life. We cant
prevent disasters, but we can reduce their impact and prepare to recover more
efficiently. The Wellington region is particularly susceptible to natural hazards such as
earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, floods and bush fires.

In a large-scale emergency, emergency services will be heavily strained and will not be
able to respond to everyone. That means you could be without official support for at
least three days, possibly more. The most immediate source of aid will be your local
community and the preparations you make before the event to reduce the impact. The
better prepared you are, the safer and more comfortable you, your family and your
friends will be after a major event.

Your role in Personal & Community Preparedness

This module will give you a good understanding of personal readiness principles so you
can not only be more prepared yourself, but can also work with your friends,
neighbours, workmates and your community to be better prepared. This will help your
community become more resilient to a disaster. Having completed this course we
consider you our Partner in Preparedness. You might be surprised to see how much
influence you have encouraging your networks to get prepared!

Preparing for an Emergency

Emergencies can happen any time and often with little or no warning. Being prepared
means that you know what to do if an emergency event occurs and that you have not
only stored essential supplies, but also that you and your loved ones understand what
you will do during an emergency, and have strong relationships with your neighbours
and community.

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There are four key aspects for you to consider when preparing for an emergency:
Reduction understanding your hazards and minimising their impact
Readiness planning and preparing for the effects of an emergency
Response what to do during an emergency
Recovery getting back to some sort of normality after an emergency

These are known as the 4Rs and they will be discussed throughout the course. These
guide the activities you would undertake in a role as a CDEM Volunteer. The more
Reduction and Readiness you and your community do before an event, the better the
Response to and Recovery from the event will be.
The 4Rs are discussed further
in Module 2
Know your neighbours
We know from experience of past disasters that those around you are going to be the
first ones to help you. In Christchurch, neighbours who hadnt known each other before
the earthquakes, banded together to help each other not just through the initial
emergency, but in the weeks and months that followed. While its great that this does
happen, if you know your neighbours before a disaster ever strikes, youre more likely
to look out for each other in a shorter time. It will be more comfortable if you at least
know each others names and if youre not home when theres a disaster, your
neighbour can look out for your pets, children coming home from school, turn your
electricity and water off etc.

Know Your Hazards

In order to be prepared for an emergency we must be
aware of the hazards in our environment. WREMO has the The first step in
responsibility of identifying hazards that threaten the being prepared is
Wellington Region. The main hazards that could cause an knowing what to be
prepared for.
event on a scale that could develop into a significant
emergency in our region are:

Storm Infrastructure failure

Major earthquake Landslide
Tsunami Pandemic
Flooding Wild Fire
Drought

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It should be noted that large emergency events usually involve multiple hazards. For
example, a major earthquake may cause tsunami, landslides, fires, and disruption of
transport and infrastructure systems.

The following sections identify how you can prepare for each of these main hazards.
This includes what specific actions you can take to help you, your family and your
community if one of these hazards causes an emergency event.

What to do first in an emergency event

Well go over actions you should take in response to specific emergency situations, but
there are some general actions you should take in any emergency:

If you need help, do not hesitate to contact the emergency services.

Always put your safety first. Do not enter hazardous environments; your
wellbeing is far more important than property.
www.getprepared.org.mz
Seek official Civil Defence advice and emergency information facebook.com/WREMOnz
this can be found on the radio, or our website, or Facebook page.
Check on your neighbours and other vulnerable people in your community who
may need your help
Take notes and photos of damage to The 6 simple rules for staying
personal property or buildings and contact safe in an emergency:
insurance services after the event. 1. You are responsible for your own
In a large emergency you may find personal safety.
assistance at your local Civil Defence Centre 2. Keep away from hazards, if it looks
dangerous, it is.
Do not go sightseeing. 3. If you are not trained to do it, dont do it.
Do not make unnecessary phone calls. 4. Always have an escape route.
Send text messages instead. 5. Always use the right Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE).
6. Always have at least one other person
with you who can help if you get into
Storms trouble.

Our location and geography means that the Wellington region often experiences storms
with high winds and heavy rain such as the storm in June 2013. While most storm
events are minor, high winds can lift roofs, break trees and shift loose debris causing
damage to power lines and buildings, and injury to people. The associated heavy rain
can lead to flooding and landslides.

Preparing for Storms

Check that your roof and guttering is in good condition and kept clean.
Keep materials on hand, such as tarpaulins, boards, screws and duct tape, for
repairing windows.

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 Make sure any buildings you are responsible for comply with the New Zealand
building code including standards to minimise storm damage.

When a storm warning is issued

Pick up or secure any loose items, such as rubbish bins, outside your house.
Bring pets inside and move stock to shelter.

During a storm
Close all curtains to slow down flying glass and airborne objects, stay away from
doors and windows.
Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind, this will relieve
pressure on the roof and help prevent it lifting.
Do not climb onto your roof to repair it during high winds or when it is wet.
Do not go outside or drive unless absolutely necessary.

After a storm
Contact your insurance company if your house or property has been damaged.
Work with your neighbours to help clean up storm damage.
Report significant damage to the appropriate officials such as your local council
or power company.

Earthquake
The Wellington region is one of New Zealands most active
seismic regions. This is because it is located on the
boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The
principal active faults bisect all the highly populated areas in
our region, and major infrastructure cross the fault lines.
The faults extend into the marine area surrounding the
region, and hence there is a significant tsunami threat from
movement on these offshore sections of faults or because
of submarine landslides triggered by earthquake shaking.
Wellington Fault Lines

Earthquakes that affected Maori settlements have occurred

throughout the region. Since European settlement, major earthquakes occurred in
1848 (Awatere Fault in Marlborough), 1855 (Wairarapa Fault), and two earthquakes in
1942 for which the causative faults are not known.

Many of these faults are still active and present a significant hazard. The main faults
that could potentially cause the most damage are; the Wellington Fault, Ohariu Fault,

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Wairarapa Fault, Carterton Fault and the Masterton Fault. A number of these faults
have an offshore component that adds an additional tsunami risk to a rupture event.

Shaking ground has the potential to damage buildings causing injury and loss of life.
Roads, power, communications and other essential services could be disrupted. It
could be difficult for aid outside of the city to be brought in and it could take a long time
for a sense of normality to return.

Though the obvious fear during an earthquake is of building collapse this is relatively
unlikely. In New Zealand we have robust modern building standards to mitigate against
this risk. The primary danger you face in an earthquake comes from falling objects
such as ceiling panels, light fittings and bookcases.

Preparing for an Earthquake

Secure heavy furniture such as bookcases, to the wall or
floor, and place heavy items near the floor. Check that Get a qualified builder
your chimney and hot water cylinder are secure. or engineer to check
your house or building
Seek building advice to ensure your home is secured to meets current
its foundations and any renovations comply with the New building standards.
Zealand Building Code. Check if buildings you frequent
meet building codes and if they do not pressure the owners to bring them up to
standard.
Identify safe places where you can protect yourself from falling debris in your
home, school or workplace; for example under a sturdy table. The safe place
needs to be within two metres of your location.

During an earthquake
Do not attempt to move more than
a few steps to a safe place.
Drop down to the ground. Being
low means there is less chance of
you being knocked over.
Cover yourself either by getting
under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table, or by placing a cushion, your
hands, or anything else, over your head and the back of your neck.
Hold on so whatever is covering you doesnt move away.

If you are inside, you need to stay inside. You are more likely to get injured by falling
debris while moving out of a building, than if you stay inside.
If you are outside, stay outside. If you can, move away from buildings or other
objects that could fall, then Drop, Cover, Hold.

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 If you are driving during an earthquake, pull over to the side of the road and stop.
Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

You may know people in your family or community who would struggle to get down to
the ground, or to cover their heads to protect themselves. Think of other advice you
could give them such as ensuring their home has no objects that could fall on them,
having a cushion or pillow by their favourite armchair, or in their wheelchair to use to
protect their head. It is important to talk with them and do what you can to help them
feel more prepared.

The Triangle of Life is dangerous advice

You may have heard of the Triangle of Life theory that opposes Drop Cover Hold.
This theory has been discredited many times over by authorities and researchers
from around the world. Although the theory may sound plausible, it doesn't
consider all factors and therefore only serves to cause confusion and potential
harm during an emergency. If you are interested try a Google search for more in
depth information.

When the shaking stops

If you are in an area at risk of tsunami immediately move to higher ground.
Check your family and neighbours are safe.
Expect aftershocks, these may be frequent and numerous and could also be
damaging.
Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building is unsafe, carefully
evacuate it, keeping as far away from damaged areas as possible.
Use the stairs, instead of a lift, in case the mechanisms have been damaged or
the power fails.
When moving outside be aware that there may be hidden hazards caused by
fallen power lines, broken gas lines, or loose masonry that could fall in an
aftershock.
To prevent further hazards, turn off the electricity at the mains and water at the
toby, and if you can smell gas, turn off gas supplies.
Check utility lines. If you see any broken, report them to the appropriate
authorities.

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 Tsunami
Tsunamis result from the displacement of water
caused by earthquakes. They may also be caused by
underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or even
meteorites. A series of waves spread out across the
ocean like the ripples when a stone is thrown into a
pond. The waves can be many metres high coming
onshore as non-breaking waves, like a rapidly rising tide or a wall of water. Due to the
immense volumes of water and energy involved, the effects of tsunamis can be
devastating.

The Wellington Region is at risk of tsunamis caused by local events such as an

earthquake in the Cook Straight. The only warning you will get for a locally
generated tsunami is the earthquake itself. Tsunamis travel very fast so if in
doubt, evacuate.

The Wellington Region is also at

risk of tsunamis caused by
events further away. Tsunamis
generated anywhere around the
Pacific could reach our
shorelines with enough energy
to cause significant damage.
Preparing for Tsunami
Check if your home,
work, and places you
frequent often are in a
tsunami zone.
Have a get-away kit in the
car or near the front door.
If you are in the tsunami
zone it may be all you are
able to grab before
evacuating so it needs to
have all your essentials.
See the Get Away Kits section of
this module for more information
Tsunami Maps
Greater Wellington Regional
Council and GNS Science
have worked together to
develop maps which identify
areas within the region which
may be at risk from tsunami.
The Red Zone is the shore exclusion zone. This area
is at the highest risk from any tsunami. Even if theyre
too small to see, small tsunami can cause unusual
currents and are hazardous to any water users. The
red zone should be evacuated during any sort of
tsunami warning.
The Orange Zone is the area which is most likely to
be evacuated during official warnings and evacuations
for a distant sources tsunami. The official warning will
come from local Civil Defence Emergency
Management agencies such as your local council.
The Yellow Zone identifies the maximum run up
height for the largest possible tsunami generated by a
local earthquake. People should evacuate this zone in
natural or informal warnings from local source events
such as a large earthquake when there will not be time
to issue official warnings. Immediately leave this
area if you feel an earthquake during which you
cannot stand or the shaking lasts 30 seconds or
longer.

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 After a large local earthquake
If you are in a tsunami risk zone you should immediately go to higher ground.
Walk or bike if possible and drive only if essential. If driving, keep going once you
are well outside the evacuation zone to allow room for others behind you.
If you are outside of the evacuation zones, you do not need to evacuate. Stay
where you are to help reduce congestion for those who need to evacuate.
If you cannot get out of the tsunami risk zone go to an upper storey of a
substantial building or climb onto a roof or up a tree. The 2011 Japanese
Tsunami reached the fourth storey in places.
Stay away from the sea until you have been told it is safe as there are usually
multiple surges with the second and third being the largest.
Do not re-enter the tsunami zone until official clearance has been given.

Examples
Wellington has been affected both by local tsunami and tsunami that
were caused by events that occurred geographically far away:

A local tsunami, caused by the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake, washed over the Rongotai
Isthmus, (Lyall and Evans Bays), and flooded shops along Lambton Quay.

In 1960 the East Cape was affected by a tsunami generated by a Chilian earthquake. In
the most affected areas, bridges, fences and sheds were damaged and stock killed..

Tsunami Blue Line

To increase awareness of what to do in the event of a large
localised earthquake, WREMO works with residents in
coastal communities to develop tsunami awareness through
projects like the Blue Lines. Modelling developed by GNS
Science and Greater Wellington Regional Council was used
to indicate the maximum run-up height of a tsunami wave.
The blue lines are painted on the road to represent the
worst case scenario and indicate where to evacuate past
after an earthquake. Blue arrows indicate the way to the
nearest blue line.

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Flooding
Some areas of the Wellington Region, particularly the Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Wairarapa
are at risk of flooding from the significant rivers, flood plains or rain catchment sources.
Many flat areas such as Karori, Miramar and Tawa are also prone to surface flooding
after significant rain fall.

When prolonged heavy rain occurs, streams and rivers can burst their banks and water
can enter homes and businesses causing widespread damage to buildings and
infrastructure networks. There can also be major damage to the river environment.
Runoff from roads, buildings, and large paved areas as well as sewage overflow into
storm water systems can pollute streams, rivers and marine environments. The effects
of flooding can be made worse by activities such as draining wetlands, river
straightening, and deforestation.

Preparing for a Flood

Find out through the Greater Wellington Regional Council website
(www.gwrc.govt.nz) if your home or business is at risk of flooding.
Know where the closest high ground is and how to get there.
Have your get away kit ready.

During a Flood
Stay away from water that is fast flowing, possibly contaminated, has debris in it,
or may be covering unstable ground or holes.
If you have to evacuate and you have time:
- store materials on the tops of tables or benches or in the roof cavity.
- secure anything that might float away.
- secure anything that might be toxic and raise chemicals as high as
possible.
- locate pets and put them in the car ready to go with you, or in the roof
cavity of your house with some food and water if you cannot take them
with you.
After leaving your home, never drive through floodwater as there may be hidden
hazards or holes. If your engine gets flooded or stalls you may be stuck in a
dangerous environment.

After a Flood
It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Listen to
your local radio station or check official websites for Civil Defence instructions.
Throw away any food, including canned goods, that has been contaminated by
floodwater.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until the authorities advise otherwise.

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 Examples
Floodwaters often come very quickly and there can be little time to react.
In 1998 and 2004 flooding in the Wairarapa caused road closures, slips, and
evacuations.

Other areas in the Wellington region such as Kapiti, Kilbirnie and Petone have also
suffered flooding which has caused evacuations.

Landslide
A landslide is a collapse of a hill slope causing the
movement of rock and soil down a slope. Landslides
can range in size from a single boulder to an
avalanche, which may have volumes of rock and soil
capable of covering many kilometres. Heavy rain,
floods, or earthquakes can cause landslides. They can
also be caused or made worse by human activity -
such as removal of trees and plants, steep roadside
cuttings or leaking water pipes.

The Wellington Region has a rugged landscape with

numerous houses built on landslide-prone hillsides.
Many roads are cut into slopes or pass through steep
gorges and are vulnerable to surface slips or larger landslides. Check with your local
council about areas that are prone to landslips before shifting to a new home.

During a landslide
Move as far away from the path of the landslide as possible.
Evacuate your family, warn and help others who may need assistance to
evacuate.

After a landslide
Stay away from affected sites until authorities declare it safe.
Be aware that the ground may continue to move. Signs include cracked earth,
small slips or rockfalls.

Infrastructure Failure
Lifelines are the essential utility systems that serve communities - water supply,
transportation (road, rail, sea and air), electricity and gas supply, communication
networks (telephone, television, cable and radio) and sewage or wastewater. An

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infrastructural service can easily be disrupted during a storm, by a car accident, or by
technological causes.

These services are often located close to each other, for example along the underside
of bridges. They are often reliant on each other. For example, communication and
water pumping equipment need electricity to run. In todays society we find our lives
are becoming more and more reliant on technology, which increases our vulnerability
when infrastructure failure occurs.

Preparing for Infrastructure Failure

Plan how you would get home if public transport services werent available.
Prepare your emergency kit with adequate food, water and emergency lighting.

Pandemic
New, evolving and some existing viruses and diseases could affect a large proportion of
our population. Some of these threats may be highly contagious and unresponsive to
existing medications. If large numbers of people are affected in a pandemic, services
and our daily routines could be disrupted. Like the rest of the world, New Zealand has
been affected by previous pandemics such as SARS and Bird Flu.

Reducing the Risk of Pandemic Hazards

Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, and before and after working
with food.
If you get a virus or disease be vigilant about your hygiene practices to reduce
exposing other people.

During a Pandemic
Wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with other people.
Minimise contact with other people to reduce your exposure to germs, work
from home.
Follow official advice from Public Health and Civil Defence.

Bush Fire
A bushfire is an unplanned fire in an open space, such as a hillside or forest. Bushfires
become a hazard when they threaten nearby people or property. As suburbs expand
into the hills, more people and property can be at risk from bush fires. The risk is
higher if houses and properties are close to bush.

Page 17
Reducing the risk of Bushfire
Keep the area around your house clear of debris and garden material that could
catch fire.
Have smoke alarms in or near every bedroom and the lounge of your house.
Check the batteries regularly.
Make sure your house number can be clearly seen from the road.
Have a highly visible fire extinguisher in the house and check it regularly.
Ensure everyone in the house know how to use the fire extinguisher properly.

During any fire

When a fire is identified in a building get out and stay out.
Evacuate areas in risk of fire as soon as possible.
If you are in a fire, always feel a closed door before opening it. If it is warm or hot
do not open it as there is probably fire on the other side.
Do not return to areas affected by fire until the authorities have declared it safe.

Plan for an emergency

During large emergencies, public utilities and emergency
services will be overwhelmed and wont be able to respond
to everyone. Their priorities will be saving lives and restoring
essential services. The most immediate source of aid will be
your community and the preparedness actions you took
before an event.

Youve been provided with our booklet - Its Easy,

Prepared Households. Treat this booklet as a conversation
prompt for everyone in your household to complete
together. Throughout the course we will provide further information on getting
prepared that you can use when talking about readiness with your family, friends and
community.

The preparedness message can be summarised with three

key elements
Know your neighbours.
Have a household plan.
Have a survival kit.

Know your neighbours

Lets face it; getting to know your neighbours can be an
awkward experience let the Its Easy booklet serve as a

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catalyst for breaking the ice. Call over with an Its Easy and tell them we sent you, it
can sometimes be easier of you can put the blame on someone else!

If you know of any vulnerable individuals in your community such as a senior,

a person with disabilities or someone with English as a second
language, make a point of getting to know them. As we mentioned
earlier, taking a moment to get to know these neighbours, or As a CDEM Volunteer,
anyone else in your community, could prove invaluable during an promoting preparedness
emergency.
to your family, friends
and community would be
Here are some ways to get to know people in your community
part of your
responsibility.
better:
Host a neighbourhood BBQ
Welcome new people to the neighbourhood
Attend your local school fairs or galas

Household Plan
Your household
A household emergency plan will help you work out: should sit down
What each member of your household will do if there is an together and
emergency event. revise your plan
annually to check it
How you will contact each other and where you will meet if is still valid and to
you cannot return home during and after an emergency remind everyone
event. what your planned
actions during an
Who can pick up your children from school if you are emergency are.
unavailable.
Where to store your emergency items and who will be
responsible for checking them.
What you will each need in your getaway kits and where to keep them.
How to account for members of the household, family or people in your
community with a disability or special requirement.
Taking care of your pets, domestic animals or livestock.
How and when to turn off the water, electricity and gas at the main switches.
Where your local Civil Defence Centres are.

In addition to the preparedness information in Its Easy Prepared Households, we have

included additional tips for our Volunteers. We hope this provides you with a more
robust understanding of the information so you can confidently spread the message of
being prepared with your networks.

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 Making Contact
After a major event, the wellbeing of your loved ones will be one of your biggest
concerns. It is important to spend some time planning how you will contact each other
and where you may meet up, either on your return home, or if your home is no longer
accessible (for example if it is in a tsunami zone).

Out of Region Contact

In the Christchurch earthquakes, the local telephone and mobile
network were quickly overloaded. People found it easier to call
outside the region than within the city. We suggest that every Add an ICE (In Case
household establish an out of region contact that everyone can of Emergency)
check-in with, you may not be able to contact number to the
contact list in your
each other but the out of region contact can act mobile phone.
After an emergency as a liaison between everyone. Remember
update your voice texting is much more efficient than voice calls
mail message and
Facebook status and will not overload the network as quickly. Text messages also
about your stay in the system until they are able to be delivered.
situation

Meeting up
Ultimately, you will want to head home after an emergency to meet with your
household. However, this may not be possible, if your home has been affected by the
emergency event, particularly if you live in a tsunami or flood zone. Identify an alternate
meeting place outside of hazard zones where your household can meet up if you cant
return home. If phones are disrupted during and emergency and you dont have an
identified meeting place it will be difficult to find each other.

If you would have a significant walk to get home after an earthquake, arrange an
appropriate meeting place to gather with other household members on your way home
(for example; two parents who work in the city may arrange to meet at a particular
street corner before walking to their suburb and the childrens school).

Children
By law, schools are required to look after their
students until an authorised guardian collects them.
We suggest you give the school a list of friends,
neighbours and family you are happy to have collect
your children if you are unable to get to the school
quickly after an emergency. Let your children know
that they might have to remain with their teacher for
longer than normal, this will help reduce potential
anxieties. Also talk with your childs/ childrens
school(s) about what their emergency plans are.
Schools
If you have a school-aged child, or a
responsible for one, ask the school what
their emergency plan is. You need to be
aware of their evacuation plan, how the
children will be looked after if you are
able to pick them up on time, and what
their policy is around releasing children
after an emergency. This applies to
teenagers as well!

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Pets
If you consider your pet one of your family members, include them in your disaster
planning. Make sure they are microchipped, and that they have an ID tag, which
includes out of region contact details on it. Have sufficient food, muzzle, carrier and
medications ready. If it is likely your pet will run away in an emergency, having a recent
colour photo of your pet could help to reunite you with them sooner.

Evacuation
In some situations you may be forced to evacuate your home, office, school or
neighbourhood at short notice. If you are forced to self-evacuate, it is important to
know where you are going beforehand; for example, where would you go - at midnight
during a blistering southerly - in the event of a possible tsunami? Consider timing your
evacuation by actually walking your designated route with everyone in your household.

Get Away Kits

If you have to leave your house in an emergency, you will not have time to pack
important supplies. Everybody in your household should have a getaway kit with
suitable supplies. Make sure to include some cold weather clothing and water as well
as copies of important documents.

Power, Water & Gas

These services can become hazardous if they are damaged during an emergency
event. You need to know the location of the shut-off valves and switches on your
property so you can disconnect them when required. If you dont know how to turn off
these services ask a neighbour or friend to show you, or inquire with your utility
provider.

Information Sources
As well as the traditional information sources, the Internet and mobile communications
are playing an increasingly important role. Unfortunately, not all information available on
the Internet is correct. WREMO has developed a
Facebook page that is regularly updated with credible
information during an emergency. We also post links Check us out at
to preparedness topics and links to other emergency www.facebook/WREMOnz
Like our page to be in the loop and
management issues from around the world. receive credible emergency
information.
Warning Systems
Some emergencies occur with little or no time for any
warnings to be given to the public, the most potentially devasting being an earthquake
or a locally sourced tsunami. Others, such as severe weather events, or a distant
sourced tsunami, will have a lead up time where warnings can be given to the public.

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Natural Warnings
For a tsunami that is generated by a local earthquake such as one on a fault line off
the Wellington coast, the only warning you will have is the earthquake itself. If you feel
an earthquake that is like nothing you have felt before, one that knocks you off your
feet, or a strong earthquake that lasts a minute or more, evacuate immediately to
higher ground if you are in a tsunami zone.

Official Warnings
If we hear of an event that is
likely to cause large
numbers of people or
property harm or distress,
we will do everything in our
power to warn you. These
events include severe
weather warnings (not just
strong wind!), distant
sourced tsunamis, or rising
flood waters.
We will put messages out
on all mainstream radio
networks, our Facebook
page and local council
websites.
Receiving emergency text alerts on your mobile
You can sign up your phone to receive Wellington Region Emergency
Management Office Text Alerts which are sent ONLY in potentially life
threatening emergency situations such as tsunami warnings.
To sign up text follow WREMOalert to 8987,
then reply with set discover off
When you receive an emergency text alert spread the word. Forward it
to your contacts, post it on Facebook, and re-tweet on Twitter.
This Emergency Text Alert system only works with Telecom, Vodafone
and 2degrees. Unfortunately, WREMO cannot influence this. If you are
not with Telecom, Vodafone or 2Degrees we suggest you ask your
provider to connect with Twitter.com. You can still get the alerts by
asking friends and family who are using Telecom, Vodafone or
2Degrees to sign up to receive the alerts and forward them on.

If you live near a river or large stream that is prone to flooding, find out if there is a River
Watch group in your area. This way you will get warning if the water levels start to rise.

If you do see or hear any warnings about an emergency event, pass the message on.
Share it on your Facebook page, re-Tweet it, forward text messages on, and check on
anyone you know who may not have seen or heard the message.

Civil Defence Centres

Civil Defence Centres (CDCs) are located in many suburbs across the Wellington
Region. CDCs are signposted and often located in schools, community centres or
churches. The two main aims of Civil Defence Centres are to coordination the effort
within the community so people can start helping each other, and to collect, collate,
and share information from either the community or the Emergency Operations Centre.
More information on CDCs will be covered in Module 4.

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 Insurance
Unfortunately, many people find out that they do not have adequate insurance after an
event. Contact your insurance company to update your home and personal contents
insurance. It is another Easy step you can do now to avoid regret.

Emergency Items
The second part of your household plan is ensuring you have
essential items to help you get through an emergency event. In
most emergencies you will be able to stay at home or at your Cordless phones will not
work during a power
workplace. In that situation, you may have to rely on your own outage. Keep a corded
emergency survival items. phone in your home for
emergency use.
As well as the items suggested in the Its Easy booklet,
consider some extra supplies such as jackets that will keep you warm, comfortable
walking shoes, board games for entertainment, and chocolate. Cash in small bills may
be useful if the emergency has affected ATMs and EFTPOS.

However comprehensive you decide to make your survival items or kit is entirely up to
you. Have someone who is responsible for checking these items periodically.

Emergency Toilet
In a disaster you may not be able to use your normal toilet
because sewerage lines may be broken or damaged and be
Remember youll also
need to store a supply
unusable.
of toilet paper.
An alternative is a form of compost toilet. Use two buckets, one
for urine, and one for faeces and toilet paper. If the urine is diluted with a small amount
of water, it can then be emptied onto a disused area of garden or greenspace. Using
dry mulch, leaves, dirt or sawdust in the faeces bucket will reduce any odour. This
bucket can be emptied into a hole in the ground or a large wheelie bin.

For more details on making and using a compost toilet, go to our website
www.getprepared.org.nz and look under the Prepare tab.

Medication & First Aid Supplies

If you take prescription medicine, try to keep at least a Some prescription drugs need to
months supply available at all times and a copy of be refrigerated so will have to be
your prescription, as medical records may be difficult added to the kit at the last
minute. You may want to pin or
to access after an emergency event. It is tape a note to the outside of
recommended that you take a First Aid course, your kit container reminding you
followed by regular refresher sessions. Having first aid to take along prescription drugs
if you have to evacuate.
supplies at home is essential.

A list of what should be kept

in a basic first aid kit can be
found at www.osh.org.nz
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 Food and Water
Store enough for each family member for three days or more and replace it every 12
months. Dont forget to cater for babies, special food requirements and pets. It is also
a good idea to have an alternative method of cooking, like a BBQ.

Your household will need at least 3 litres of drinking water per person per day. You will
also need extra water for cooking, hygiene and pet needs.

Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water, fill each bottle with tap water until it
overflows. Make sure there are no air gaps and place the lids on tightly.
Clean and refill the bottles every 12 months (at the beginning or end of daylight
saving).
Store bottles in two separate places, somewhere dark away from direct sunlight
where there is not likely to be flooding.

Using water during an emergency

Wash your hands well. If water is in very short supply keep some in a bowl with
disinfectant added, but change it frequently.
Collect rain water by either placing a clean container outside to catch rain or by
disconnecting the down pipe from the roof and filling a container. Boil before
drinking or disinfect with household bleach (1/2 teaspoon to 10 litres). Reserve one
clean utensil to use as a dipper.
You can use water for cooking, dishes, and washing yourself from the hot water
cylinder and header tank toilet cistern. This water is only safe to use if no chemical
toilet cleaners have been used.
Switch off power to the hot water cylinder if the water supply fails to avoid damaging
the elements when power comes back on.

Do not drink water from the town supply unless you have been advised that it is safe for
drinking.
Do not assume domestic water filters are effective. They can become contaminated.
Do not drink water from a private well if it has been flooded.
Do not waste water on cleaning clothes.

V5.02 - Page 24
Prepared Businesses
After an emergency, it is important for all businesses, no matter
how big or small, to get back up and running as soon as
possible.
This benefits not just the business owner, but also the staff
employed, suppliers of skills or resources, and those who rely
on the product or service that is offered; therefore the greater
community.
Without businesses operating, the community wont be able to
return to any kind of normality. Its Easy Prepared Businesses
will walk you through the steps needed to put together a
Business Continuity Plan (BCP). A BCP will help you look at
what you need to do now to ensure your business will be able
to operate after an emergency, as well as what to do after the emergency.
A business is any organisation that offers a product or service including charities and
support groups.

Page 25
V5.02 - Page 26
 Module 1 - Self Knowledge Review

Complete this Self Knowledge Review before class to

check your understanding of the material. You are
required to hand it in at the beginning of the class. Name: _________________________

1 Name four hazards in the Wellington Region that could cause emergency events:

2 What are two ways you might be warned of a Tsunami?

3 List two precautions you can take to reduce your risks and make your home safer before an earthquake:

4 List two precautions you can take to reduce your risks and make your home safer during a storm or flood:

5 During an earthquake you should ___________, ___________ and ___________ until the shaking stops.

6 List two new or secondary hazards that may be caused by an emergency event such as a storm or earthquake:

7 List two important considerations when storing emergency water supplies:

8 List four getaway kit items you should take with you if you are evacuated:

9 List two vulnerable communities that may need your help during an emergency?

10 Why should you get to know your neighbours?

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