ESSENTIALS: 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.

Essentials

Light, Power and Communication

Have torches, spare batteries, and a battery‑powered or wind‑up radio so you can stay informed even if the power is out. Keep some cash on hand in case EFTPOS is unavailable.

A Wellington household should expect multi‑day power cuts, patchy mobile coverage, and limited access to news or emergency updates after a major earthquake. The most important actions are preparing multiple light sources, independent power options, and redundant communication methods.

1. Maintain reliable light sources

Power cuts may last days. NEMA emphasises that you may need to find supplies in the dark.

Essential items

Multiple torches (one per person if possible).
Headlamps for hands‑free use.
Battery‑powered lanterns for room lighting.
Glow sticks for safe, temporary light.
Spare batteries in multiple sizes.

Best practices:

Store lights where they can be reached without power.
Test batteries every 6–12 months.
Avoid candles if possible (fire risk after earthquakes).

2. Prepare backup power options

Power outages affect cooking, heating, charging, and payments (EFTPOS/ATMs may not work).

Portable power

Power banks (fully charged).
High‑capacity battery packs for phones, radios, and small devices.
Solar chargers (slow but reliable over days).

Household backup

Gas barbecue or camp stove for cooking.
Spare gas canisters (stored safely).
Car charger for phones and power banks.

Safety

Only use gas cookers outdoors or in well‑ventilated areas.
Never run generators indoors (carbon monoxide risk).

3. Ensure redundant communication methods

Staying informed is critical. NEMA recommends having multiple ways to receive updates.

Essential communication tools

Battery‑powered or solar radio (AM/FM).
List of local emergency radio stations.
Charged mobile phones + power banks.
Emergency Mobile Alerts enabled on all phones.
Written contact list (in case phones die).

Why this matters

Mobile networks may be overloaded or damaged.
Radio is often the first restored communication channel.
Emergency Mobile Alerts do not require mobile data.

4. Plan for information access when the internet fails

Internet and cellular data may be unavailable for days.

What to prepare

Pre‑download:

Offline maps (Google Maps offline areas).
Local hazard info (tsunami zones, evacuation routes).
Key documents (insurance, ID scans).
Keep a hard‑copy household emergency plan.
Know where to find community information hubs once activated.

5. Protect devices and reduce power use during outages

Power‑saving strategies

Switch phones to battery saver mode immediately.
Turn off Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and background apps.
Use airplane mode when not actively checking messages.
Charge devices only when necessary.

Device protection

Use surge protectors to protect electronics from power spikes when electricity return

6. Include light, power and comms in your Grab Bag

NEMA recommends grab bags for fast evacuation.

Torch + spare batteries
Power bank
Radio
Phone charger
Whistle
Copies of important documents
Cash (EFTPOS may be down)

7. Strengthen community connections

Talking to neighbours helps coordinate shared resources like gas barbecues or radios.

Ask who has:

Gas cookers
Solar panels
Radios
Spare batteries
Share plans and check on vulnerable neighbours.