SAFETY & HEALTH: The first two days, especially, is critical to prepare for and be self-reliant since there may be power outages, water and sewerage failures, road closures, communication blackouts and limited access to shops, cash, or medical care.
Safety & Health
Have ready essential medications for the whole household and a basic first aid kit, plus P2 or N95 masks, work gloves and hand sanitiser.
A Wellington household should expect injuries, contaminated environments, cold, and disrupted medical services after a major emergency. The most important actions are building a robust first‑aid and medical kit, preparing for warmth and shelter, preventing illness through hygiene, and planning for people with special health needs.
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1. Build a complete first aid and medical Kit
Health New Zealand emphasises that injuries, contaminated debris, and delayed medical care are common after disasters.
Essential items
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Sterile dressings, gauze, bandages
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Antiseptic wipes and disinfectant
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Tweezers, scissors, safety pins
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Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
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Saline solution
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Thermometer
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Gloves (nitrile or latex)
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Plasters in assorted sizes
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Burn gel or dressings
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Eye wash
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CPR face shield
Prescription and personal medicines
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At least one extra week of essential prescription medicines (inhalers, heart meds, etc.)
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Spare glasses/contact lenses
- Medical devices (and backup batteries if needed).
2. Maintain hygiene to prevent illness
Emergencies often disrupt water and sanitation systems. Health NZ stresses the importance of staying clean to avoid infection.
Hygiene supplies
Why this matters
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Cuts and scrapes can become infected quickly.
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Contaminated surfaces and floodwater carry bacteria and chemicals.
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Illness spreads faster when water is limited.
3. Prepare to stay warm, dry and sheltered
Cold, damp, and exposure are major health risks after earthquakes, storms, or evacuations. Health NZ highlights the need for warm clothing and shelter materials.
Warmth and shelter essentials
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Warm clothing for each person
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Waterproof jackets
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Wool blankets or sleeping bags
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Hats and gloves
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Tarpaulins or heavy plastic sheeting
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Duct tape and rope (for temporary shelter)
Why this matters
4. Protect against airborne hazards
Dust, ash, mould, and debris are common after earthquakes, landslides, or floods.
Protective gear
5. Prepare for household safety hazards
Key actions
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Secure heavy furniture and hot water cylinders to prevent injury during earthquakes.
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Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity safely.
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Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.
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Store hazardous chemicals safely and away from food/water supplies.
6. Plan for people with special health needs
NEMA’s household planning guidance emphasises identifying anyone who may need extra help.
Considerations
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Mobility needs (walkers, wheelchairs, spare batteries).
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Medical devices requiring power (CPAP, oxygen concentrators).
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Infants (nappies, formula, medications).
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Elderly household members.
- Pets (medications, carriers, food).
7. Prepare for evacuation and staying informed
Grab bag health and safety items
Staying informed
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Know which radio stations provide emergency updates
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Enable Emergency Mobile Alerts
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Keep a written list of emergency contacts
8. Plan for waste and contamination
Health NZ provides guidance on waste management during emergencies.
Actions
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Prepare an emergency toilet (bucket + bags + disinfectant).
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Keep waste sealed and away from living areas.
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Use gloves and masks when cleaning debris.
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Avoid floodwater and treat all standing water as contaminated.
