Our Best Tips for Safety At Home.
Being prepared begins at home, but remember that you spend roughly half of your day away from home – at work or on the road. So, being prepared extends beyond your residence. Here are essential tips to help you safeguard your home, your workplace, and your commute:
Know Your Home:
Secure gas appliances, especially water heaters, to prevent gas leaks.
Address defective electrical wiring and gas connections to minimize fire risks.
Maintain a 3-day supply of food and water for each household member.
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your civil defense emergency kit.Familiarise yourself with utility shutoffs for water, power, and gas.
Always have accessible emergency lighting, like a flashlight, with spare batteries.
Know how to turn off the gas in case of an emergency.
Assess each room for potential hazards and secure heavy objects that could fall.
Fasten shelves securely to walls, placing heavy items on lower shelves.
Identify safe and unsafe locations within your home.
Know Your Whānau:
Develop and practice an emergency plan, including escape routes and meeting places.
Identify nearby and out-of-state contacts for family check-ins.
Hold home evacuation drills and ensure all family members know the plan.
Teach children how to get help from neighbours and how to dial 111.
Keep photos of family members in your wallet in case of separation.
Educate household members on turning off utilities.
Establish a reunification plan if family members are separated during an earthquake.
Know Your Neighbours:
Share your preparedness information with neighbors to build a network of support.
Exchange spare keys with trusted neighbours and teach them utility shutoffs.
Learn how to turn off your neighbours' utilities.
Choose an out-of-town or overseas relative or friend as the family contact for communication.
Preparedness is not just a personal responsibility; it's a community effort.