A new campaign has been launched by Emergency management to encourage people to be better prepared for potential disasters.
The campaign comes after Auckland's recent torrential weather, and more heavy rain is expected with Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle on the way, forecasted to be one of the most serious storms to hit the country over this century.
Acting Director of Emergency Management Roger Ball said the National Emergency Management Agency's new campaign comes at a good time, as research proves people are more motivated to get prepared when faced with an emergency themselves.
Ball said disasters like the Auckland floods are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change. However, he said "the good news is that being prepared is easier than you think - and you can get started with a conversation."
'Have a Prep Talk' uses humour to encourage New Zealanders to get prepared for a disaster, depicting a spirited young girl leading a prep talk with her whānau to get them ready for a disaster.
"This is a light-hearted and relatable campaign that uses humour to get across a very serious message. Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, but we can all take simple steps to get ready," Ball said.
Ball said the 2022 Annual Disaster Preparedness Survey shows only one third of Kiwis have taken any steps to prepare themselves or their households for a disaster in the past 12 months.
He said household preparedness has never been more important.
"With severe weather events increasing in frequency, severity and duration, and with research showing a large Alpine Fault rupture is likely in the next 50 years," Ball said.
Ball said there's still plenty of time to get prepared ahead of the potential impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, and according to him "it only takes a few minutes and costs nothing."
Ball highlighted the importance of being prepared, and that it helps authorities and communities to respond effectively.
"In an emergency, Civil Defence and emergency services will be pulling out all the stops to keep people safe and give communities the support they need. Being prepared helps them to do their job, by focusing on where the need is most pressing," he said.
The campaign covers a handful of scenarios – picking the kids up from school, checking on your neighbours, ensuring pets are included in your plan, and making a plan with your flatmates.
To ensure your household is prepared, check out getready.govt.nz, which has all the advice you need including a section on how to make a plan.
