Home emergency checklist

How to prepare for and get through natural hazard emergencies.

Create a household emergency plan

When an emergency happens, you need to be able to look after yourself and those in your care for at least 3 days.

Get everyone in your house together and agree on a plan. This will help you respond safely and quickly in an emergency.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides practical information on the Get Ready website. Learn how to prepare for and stay safe during an emergency:

Stay informed during an emergency

Know the different ways to get alerts and updates, such as:

  • radio stations
  • civil defence websites and social media
  • television news
  • Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA)
  • emergency alerts in the Govt.nz app.

Stay informed in an emergency

Prepare an emergency kit and supplies

Prepare your emergency supplies before you need them. Check them regularly and replace expired items.

NEMA recommends keeping emergency items:

  • at home
  • in a grab bag
  • in your car
  • at work.

Work out what supplies you need — Get Ready

Store food for at least 3 days

For an emergency food supply, NEMA provides guidance on:

  • specific types of food to stock
  • how much food to stock, with enough for at least 3 days and ideally 2 weeks
  • packing and maintaining your food supply
  • steps to follow in a power cut when you lose refrigeration.

Have emergency supplies — NEMA

Store water for at least 3 days

If you can, NEMA recommends storing enough water for more than 3 days. 

Follow their guidance to choose suitable containers and store water safely.

Storing water — Get Ready

Protecting animals in emergencies

For advice and checklists on caring for your animals during an emergency, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) provides guidance on:

  • pets
  • livestock and horses
  • assistance or guide dogs
  • lifestyle block animals.

Preparing animals for emergencies — MPI

If you have to evacuate

During an emergency, your home or your neighbourhood may not be safe, and you may need to leave quickly.

If you have to evacuate:

  • take your grab bag
  • decide where you will go
  • take your pets with you.

Have to evacuate — Get Ready

More information

For information about emergencies in your area, contact your local Emergency Management Committee.

Local Emergency Management Committees — NEMA

For information about national emergency management, contact the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

NEMA website

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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