For further information, read the 'It's Easy' guide or contact WREMO to speak with an advisor.
It's Easy - Get Prepared for an Emergency (664KB PDF)
Watch the following video for what to do when an earthquake happens:
NZ Get Thru - What to do in an Earthquake - YouTube
For information presented in New Zealand Sign Language on how to prepare for a natural disaster, watch this captioned video:
Civil Defence - Deaf Aotearoa
Remember to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans. The World Society for the Protection of Animals has developed a range of resources to help guide your planning. For more information, visit:
Animals Matter in Disasters - WSPA
1. Know your risks
Make sure that you know about the hazards that may affect you and your community. Examples include earthquake, tsunami, flood, storms, pandemic, landslide and fire.
2. Identify a meeting place for family members
You may not be able to return home during a major emergency, or you may have to evacuate.
3. Collecting children
Make sure you have plans in place for someone else to collect your children in case you are unexpectedly can't do so.
4. Know where your services are
Know where your household's main electricity switch, gas and water valves are and how to turn them off in an emergency.
5. Work out evacuation routes
If your home or workplace is at risk of tsunami, make sure you know the best route to higher ground (35m above sea level). In case of fire, make sure you know in advance where the escape routes are.
6. Identify sources of information
Bookmark (or "add to favourites") this website and the WREMOnz Facebook page for information online.
WREMOnz - Facebook
Listen to local radio and/or turn on your TV to get up-to-date advice when an emergency is unfolding.
Sign up for text alerts:
Text Alerts
7. Warning systems
In the event of tsunami warning, the Council has 12 vehicle-mounted warning units and two helicopter-mounted ones. When you hear these, turn to this website, TV or radio for more information.
Tsunami Message (771KB MP3)
If you've signed up for text alerts, you'll get a text message to your phone, advising of the emergency.
8. Know your nearest Civil Defence Centres (CDC)
There are 37 CDCs in Wellington. In a major event where telephones are not working and you can't get local information and/or call for emergency services, go to your local CDC. Make sure you know where's the nearest one to home, work and school.
Civil Defence Centres
9. Know your neighbours
Get to know your neighbours - especially those who may be vulnerable and more likely to need help during a disaster. If you feel that you might need help in a major emergency, let your neighbours know.
10. Store water
Keep sufficient supplies of drinking water stored - at least 3 litres per person per day for at least 3 days. More is better.
You can buy water containers at Council libraries and service centre:
Water Containers
11. Store survival items
Store plenty of food, a radio and torch with spare batteries and other essential items, and continue to add to it.
Survival Items
12. Prepare a getaway kit
In case you need to evacuate unexpectedly, have a 'grab bag' handy nearby. It's too late to start packing when the event has already started.
You can buy a Grab&Go emergency kit online, or at the Council's Service Centre:
Grab&Go Emergency Kits
More information
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office