What should we be prepared for?
Common Risks
Emergencies & Disasters
New Zealand is not called the shaky isles for nothing, and is prone to many natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms and cyclones, flooding, tsunami, volcanic eruptions and landslides, blizzards, wildfires and even solar flares.
It’s not just natural disasters either - and although we are pretty lucky here in New Zealand, there is always a chance that a human-induced disaster is possible. Think of the recent North Island pylon that collapsed and caused a power outage for a widespread area for 4+ days.
We should all be prepared to look after ourselves and our families in the event of an emergency for an absolute minimum of 3 days without outside help.
Are you prepared?
Earthquakes
Risk Level: High
Earthquakes are probably our most common and one of the most devastating natural disaster risks we face. Known major earthquake risks are the South Island Alpine fault (75% chance of the South Island Alpine Fault having a magnitude 8+ within the next 50 years), and less studied is the Hikurangi fault in the North Island (risk of an 8.9+ magnitude earthquake).
Earthquakes can cause damage to homes, workplaces and infrastructure including roads and have a flow on impact of shortages of essential supplies.
Storms, cyclones & tornadoes
Risk Level: High
All varieties of weather related emergencies can happen in New Zealand, and with Cyclone Gabrielle fresh in the memories we know they can have a truly devastating effect.
Being able to evacuate quickly and easily is essential in such weather event. Infrastructure and roads can also be heavily affected, so affecting supply chains and your ability to access essential supplies.
Flooding, Tsunami & Wildfires
Risk Level: Medium
Usually during a flooding, tsunami or wildfire event, quick evacuation is key. Being able to rapidly access and gather your essential supplies and get your family to safety will be your main goal. Although you may have some warning for flooding and tsunami it is often not a long time and being prepared already will be a huge advantage and lessen the stress that comes with such events.
Volcanoes & Landslides
Risk Level: Medium
New Zealand volcanoes near urban areas have been quiet during living memory, but we should be aware they can still surprise at any moment. The 2019 eruption of Whakaari White Island was a devastating event for those visiting the island, with 22 lives lost. Landslides have also wreaked their own havoc in recent years with many roads around the country blocked. Sometimes this has meant areas are cut-off from the nearest town and emergency services, and it can take time until access is restored.
Blizzards & Heavy snow
Risk Level: Medium
Depending on where you are in the country this could be of higher, or lower risk, for you and your household. In the lower South Island, and around the Central Plateau of the North Island the risk is naturally higher for snow related emergencies. In most cases it is a case of waiting until the snow melts enough for access to be restored, and can cause fairly widespread power outages. Being able to stay warm, with enough supplies at home and be able to deal with basic first aid needs is essential for riding out this emergency.
Solar storms & other power outages
Risk Level: Medium
Power outages can be caused by many reasons, whether it’s a fallen pylon as was recently the case in the North Island, or wind or even a solar storm (geomagnetic activity from the sun). It makes us realise how much we rely on electricity for our daily needs when it isn’t available, whether that’s to stay warm, cook our food or even run our water pumps. Being able to get comfortably through a few days without electricity means you won’t be impacted to negatively in most scenarios that can cause electrical and communication outages.
Supply chain disruption
Risk Level: High
While all of the above natural disasters and emergencies can cause supply chain disruption, so too can human activity - such as wars, pandemics, protests, panic-buying, oil and energy shortages or electronic and banking issues.
Being able to know you can last a few days without a supermarket run, is essential to peace of mind, and not only does it help you, but it helps others who might be ill-prepared and helps smooth demand and panic buying when an event may be imminent.