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What to do in an emergency |
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Earthquake
If you you are indoors, stay there - it is safer than going outside. Take cover under a door frame or table, or get beside your bed
If you are outside, move to a doorway or away from buildings, power lines and other potential hazards.
If you are driving, stop the car and stay in it.
Before and earthquake, secure heavy items of furniture to the floor or wall. Learn how to quake-safe your home
Flood
Listen to the radio for information and instructions to evacuate.
Raise or remove valuable items if there is time and move fuel and chemical containers to above the possible flood level.
Don't walk or drive through flood waters, and remember the may be contaminated.
Tsunami
When there is a threat of a distant source tsunami, people in low-lying coastal areas may be warned by continuous sounding of portable sirens or other regular continuous noise such as horns.
Listen to your radio for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, take the most direct route to higher ground or at least a kilometer inland, if ground is flat.
Coastal storm
Avoid using roads along exposed coastlines.
Stay away from beaches and river mouths.
Wind storm
Listen to the radio for information and forecasts.
Before the storm, secure lose items that could be blown about. Put tape acros large windows and draw curtains.
Once the storm starts, stay indoor.
If your roof starts to lift, partially open a window on the sheltered side of the house.
Thunderstorm
Move away from high ground, metal poles and trees.
Seek shelter indoors.

Hailstorm
Take shelter in case dangerously large hailstones fall. After hail has stopped check spoutings are clear so water damage won't occur when hail melts.
Snowstorm
Check snow build-up on the roof, particularly if the roof is flat or has little slope, as weight can cause structural damage. Also check the roof valleys as snow build-up can block the guttering and lead to water damage when it thaws.
Electricity may fail during heavy snowfall so be prepared to keep warm and prpare meals without it. Ensure you have extra food and fuel during winter in case you get stuck for a few days.
Major chemical spill
Stay clear of spill and stay inside - you are safer there from fumes.
Gather in a room with few windows and doors and put wet towels around the door and windows to seal them.
Listen to your radio for information and instructions.
After an emergency
- Remember your personal safety - think before you act.
- Keep calm and reassure others.
- Turn of gas supply, electricity and water.
- Check on your family.
- Listen to your radio for information and instructions.
- Wear sensible clothing for the conditions (especially footwear) if going out.
- Check on your neighbours.
- Check and secure pets.
- Avoid using the telephone (including cell phones) except where life is at risk.
- Don't go sightseeing - stay home or close by.
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