The last 18 months in New Zealand have highlighted a real need for all families – no matter where they live – to be prepared for ANY emergency.

One of the best ways to prepare for this is to have an Emergency Kit stocked at all times.  A rule of thumb is to have at least three days of supplies on hand.

Supplies can include:

• Tinned or Dried Food
• Can Opener!
• Baby Food/Milk Powder (if necessary)
• Drinking Water (3 Litres per person per day)
• Pet Food (if required)
• Torches and spare batteries
• Radio and spare batteries
• Sturdy footwear for all the family
• Warm, waterproof clothing and jackets
• Hats (sun, wet-weather and woollen)
• A First Aid kit
• Basic Toiletries (Soap, Flannels, Toothbrushes and Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, etc).
• Water for Washing/Cooking (3 Litres per person per day)
• Warm blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
• Toilet Paper and means to dispose of waste (bin liners, etc)
• Hand Sanitiser
• Protective Masks
• Gas Cooker or Portable BBQ
• Matches (waterproof)

Make sure your Emergency Kit is well maintained.  Check all batteries regularly.  Replace any out-dated food and replace water supplies every 12 months.

Emergency Kits are not One-Size-Fits-All.  Every family will have differing ideas about what they need to help them through.  Some families may need to include regular medications.  Some may wish to include board-games and soft toys to help children through the trauma.  Our list can be considered a starting-point which can be built upon for your own family’s needs.

You should also have an emergency kit in your car and one at work – discuss this with your colleagues and nominate one person to stock and maintain the kit.