SURVIVING AN EMERGENCY
IN OTAGO
INTRODUCTION
After a disaster a community may have to look after itself for several days. This
means if a community is cut off by roads that are impassable and communications
systems fail, people can still help themselves, their loved ones and their neighbours
until help arrives.
This publication will help you plan for disasters and their aftermath. Included are
tips on preparing for hazards in your district, what to do and when to do it.
The hazards that may take place in your district have been identified by your local
civil defence staff and are listed in the Otago Civil Defence Emergency Group Plan
(www.orc.govt.nz).
This list is updated as more becomes known about hazards and risks to communities.
Many of the hazards are interactive e.g. a debris flow may be created by a severe
storm that releases material into a river system or a landslide may be activated by
intense rain, an earthquake or poor land use practices.
You’re advised how to put together a getaway kit, access items, draw up an
evacuation plan for your family and complete a household emergency checklist.
This booklet encourages you to help yourself and prepare before a disaster occurs.
Think and act now:
• Take measures to reduce your physical risks.
• Be ready to help yourself.
The hazards outlined here are the main ones your local council has identified
through the civil defence emergency management planning process. During a
disaster, teams comprising emergency services (police, fire and ambulance), civil
defence staff from your local council, trained personnel and volunteers assist
victims and keep people informed about the disaster.
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BACKGROUND
Disasters happen quickly and without compassion. We can’t prevent them, but we
can take steps to reduce the impact and be better prepared to recover quickly.
Flooding is the most frequent and damaging hazard in New Zealand and the
number one cause of declared civil defence emergencies. Besides floods and
storms, we need to be prepared for a range of other hazards in Otago including
earthquakes and tsunami.
Flooding and earthquakes can cause heart-breaking damage in Otago. One of
the more significant disaster scenarios is a major earthquake on the South Island
Alpine Fault which could cause massive damage to parts of Otago.
The last earthquake to kill people in New Zealand was at Inangahua in 1968 when
three people died. The worst earthquake was in 1931 when 256 people died in
Napier, Hastings and the surrounding areas. Although we have many earthquakes,
so far only a few have been big enough and close enough to settlements to injure
people.
Don’t think if, think when. The risks posed by Otago’s natural hazards are a fact
of life. It’s important that we all know what to do before we have to do it to look
after ourselves and our loved ones.
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Damage to property
Natural disasters are more likely to damage property than people and every year
property is damaged by earthquakes, landslips, floods and storms. The table below
shows insurance payouts from the NZ Earthquake Commission (EQC) for property
damage caused by natural disasters.
EQC INSURANCE PAYOUTS IN NEW ZEALAND 1997-2006:
Event type
Claims
Amount ($ million)
Earthquake
18,020
33.75
Landslip *
13,134
132.3
Volcanic
32
3.5
Hydrothermal
32
1.5
Tsunami
Nil
Nil
TOTALS
31,208
4,171
* Includes damage caused by storm and flood
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
In New Zealand, we’re constantly exposed to the risk of disaster and it’s important
we understand these risks and how they affect us. However, we can take measures
to reduce the impact of disasters and make a quicker recovery.
Be prepared – know your area
Knowing the history of natural disasters in your area gives you an indication of
what may happen again. It’s also useful to understand the lie of the land of your
area e.g. Are you in an earthquake zone? Do you live on a hillside or below one? Is
the area low-lying? Are you on a flood plain or near a stream or river? Are you on
or near the coast? Your local council can help you understand the risks.
WHEN A DISASTER HITS
If an emergency happens, your mayor or regional council chairperson may declare
a civil defence emergency. Once a declaration has been made, the civil defence
controller and police can:
•
•
•
•
•
evacuate buildings and places
restrict entry into buildings, including private homes
close roads and public places
remove vehicles that impede emergency services and civil defence work
obtain items needed to save lives.
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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floods
SLOW DOWN
Vehicles can create a bow wave that can cause flooding in homes that previously were safe from
floodwaters. Drivers must move through floodwaters slowly and only if it is absolutely necessary.
Floods
Floods are the most common cause of a civil defence emergency in Otago, occurring
on flood plains and in low-lying areas such as Queenstown Lakes, Tokomairiro at
Milton, South Otago around Balclutha, the Pomahaka, the Taieri Plains around
Mosgiel, and the Leith-Lindsay Streams in Dunedin.
Floods can happen at any time, such as when a landslide diverts a river course.
Everyone living in low lying areas needs to be prepared for them.
Advance warning of impending floods is required to alert people with homes, assets
and livestock in flood-prone areas. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) manages
a flood warning service that helps communities respond to a flood emergency.
However, many waterways can flood in an hour, giving little warning time.
For flood warning details see http://water.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo/ or phone 03 479
6493 or freephone 0800 426 463.
Monitoring networks track rainfall and river flows from storm events. Warnings
can be sent to communities and councils to help those at risk. The media are also
notified.
Several major floods, or 100-year floods, can happen in quick succession. A better
term is 1-in-100 chance per year flood, as their size is determined by analysing
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data from previous large floods. As more data is collected, or when a river basin is
altered in a way that affects the flow of water in the river, scientists re-evaluate the
frequency of flooding. Dams and urban development are examples of man-made
changes in a basin that affect flood risk.
Flooding threatens lives and can damage your home and personal property. Transport
routes may be closed for extended times due to damage from floodwaters.
Your car is often a good tool in an emergency. It probably has a radio and you can
keep some warm clothes and drinking water in it. It can provide temporary lighting
and shelter if you can’t use your home.
BEFORE A FLOOD OCCURS:
DO
Assume that you may have to cope with a flood.
DO
Inform yourself about flood risks by contacting your local council
especially if you are considering moving to another area.
DO
Find out about the worst flood in your locality and how high the water
would be in your home if it occurs again.
DO
Keep your valuables, getaway kit, emergency clothing and food above
what you judge to be the high-water mark.
DO
Know how to reach the nearest high ground and map out an
evacuation plan with your family.
DO
Store weedkillers, insecticides and other chemicals above your
estimated high-water mark.
DO
Consider building some form of storage above your ceiling.
DO
Keep your insurance cover up-to-date.
WHEN A FLOOD THREATENS:
DO
Listen to your radio for information. Follow advice and instructions
given by the media, civil defence and emergency services staff.
DO
Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food,
medicines and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
DO
Take your getaway kit and emergency supplies with you if you have to
leave home. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
DO
Take your pets with you.
DON’T
Go into any floodwaters alone or sightsee in those areas.
DON’T
Drink floodwater as it might be contaminated.
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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earthquakes
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by fractures called fault lines within the earth’s crust
shearing or rupturing. Earthquakes happen regularly and unpredictably in parts
of Otago but few cause damage and injury. When faults rupture they can cause
ground heave or liquefaction, where loose soils change from a solid state to the
consistency of heavy liquid. The ground shaking is referred to as an earthquake.
Building codes are being upgraded as more is understood about how buildings
behave during an earthquake. Older buildings are often retro-fitted to provide a
safer environment during an earthquake.
Your local council can tell you which fault-lines pose the greatest risk to your
community and which areas are more susceptible to the effects of ground shaking,
rupture and liquefaction than others.
A major earthquake will cause widespread disruption to services such as electricity
and water supplies, communication and transport links.
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BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURS:
DO
Secure your hot water cylinder – it’s a good source of stored water.
DO
Secure heavy furniture to the wall or floor.
DO
Place heavy items near the floor.
DO
Put strong catches on cupboards.
DO
Check your chimney is secure.
DO
Check your household insurance is up to date.
DON’T
Put chemical cleaner in the toilet cistern. This will poison a potential
source of drinking water.
IF YOU ARE INSIDE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
DO
Take cover under a table or brace yourself in a doorway. If you’re in a
lift, stop it at the nearest floor and get out.
DON’T
Attempt to run outside.
DON’T
Look for your pets until shaking stops.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
DO
Take cover in a doorway.
DO
Pull over to the side of the road and stop if you are driving. Stay in the
vehicle as it will provide some cover.
DON’T
Run onto the street.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:
DO
Check those around you and help them if necessary.
DO
Put out small fires. Evacuate the building if the fires cannot be
controlled.
DO
Turn on your radio.
DO
Locate and secure your pets.
DO
Make sure someone reports the damage in your neighbourhood to the
local civil defence contact (see end of pamphlet).
DON’T
Go sightseeing.
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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SEVERE WEATHER
severe weather
Storms are common across Otago, bringing high winds, coastal storm surges,
snow storms, heavy rain and flooding. While each of these is a normal occurrence,
their duration, frequency and intensity may be increasing due to climate change.
Some communities, such as those along the coast, may be at risk from several of
these hazards and all residents and property owners should have plans in place if
the worst occurs.
Severe weather can cause major damage to property. Keeping your insurance upto-date will make recovery easier.
Winds
Damaging wind is caused by deep depressions or by tornadoes. A strong wind
warning is issued by the MetService when winds of more than 87km/hr are
expected over land. These warnings are sent to radio, television and newspapers
and to civil defence and emergency management staff.
Severe winds can affect power and communications networks, uproot trees and
peel off a roof. High-sided vehicles such as trucks and campervans are at risk.
In areas where conditions can be unpredictably gusty, campervans are at high
risk, especially when driven by visitors or people with limited knowledge of local
conditions.
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WHEN A STRONG WIND WARNING IS ISSUED:
DO
Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind – this
will relieve pressure on the roof.
DO
Close the curtains to slow down flying glass or other loose objects.
DO
Listen to your radio for information and weather forecasts.
DO
Bring pets inside and move stock to shelter.
DO
Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight garages.
DO
Put tape across large windows to prevent them from shattering.
DO
Put rubbish bins indoors.
DO
Stay away from metal and electrical fixtures in case of lightning.
DO
Pick up any debris around your house that could become airborne.
DO
Carry snow chains, sleeping bags and warm clothing when traveling
during inclement winter weather.
DO
Check you have your getaway kit handy.
DO
Keep a radio and spare batteries available.
DO
Have an evacuation plan.
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Storm surges
Extreme sea levels occur as a consequence of a combination of tides, storm surge
and wind conditions. As with high winds, storm surges result from low atmospheric
pressure as well as wind stress. Storm surges can accelerate coastal erosion, flood
coastal communities, destroy homes and strand travellers.
Flooding can also occur inland as the surge enters estuaries and lagoons, impeding
normal river flows and holding river levels higher than normal. If severe weather has
already been experienced inland, then these rivers may already be high, increasing
the risk or extent of flooding.
BEFORE A STORM:
DO
Check that your roof and guttering is secure.
DO
Keep tools and materials at hand for repairing windows, e.g. tarpaulins,
boards, nails and duct tape.
DURING SEVERE STORMS:
DO
Stay away from doors and windows. If the wind becomes destructive,
shelter further inside the house. Use a mattress for added protection.
DO
Stay warm and dry inside.
DON’T
Travel unless absolutely necessary.
DON’T
Walk around outside during high wind storms or snow storms.
AFTER THE STORM:
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DO
Stay away from dangling and broken power lines Treat them as live.
Report these to your power supply company.
DO
Contact your local council for advice about cleaning up debris.
DO
Check if your neighbours need assistance.
DO
Contact your local council if your house or building is severely damaged
by the wind.
Snow Storms
Snow storms can occur through much of Otago at any time. Areas that haven’t
previously experienced snow storms can be impacted so preparation and planning
is important.
Snow storms can strand motorists and cut off communities for days. They can also
cut off power for days or even weeks and affect telecommunications systems, such
as landline and cell phone networks. Many rural communities are familiar with
these problems, having lived with severe weather patterns for generations. Having
back-up generators and alternative forms of heating is important in these rural
areas prone to severe weather.
This may not be the case for urban communities, who rely more heavily on power
and where some people may not be familiar with their local climate or their
neighbours. Forward planning can assist families withstand the effects of snow
storms during the winter months.
WHEN A SNOW WARNING IS ISSUED:
DO
Watch the weather forecast.
DO
Carry snow chains, sleeping bags and warm clothing when travelling
during winter.
DO
Move stock to shelter.
DO
Check fuel supplies for woodburners, gas heaters, barbeques and
generators.
DON’T
Leave home unless absolutely necessary.
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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tsunami
TSUNAMI EVACUATION ZONE
In case of strong earthquake shaking, unusual ocean behaviour
or noise, move to high ground and/or inland following
evacuation routes where present
Wait for official all-clear
Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of sea waves generated after a large disturbance of the sea
caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or underwater landslides. The source of
the disturbance may be close to the New Zealand coastline or across the other side
of the Pacific Ocean.
A near source tsunami is one generated close to our coastline. The water level will
fall quickly past the low tide mark, then return just as quickly. If this happens, there
won’t be enough time to issue a warning.
If you live close to the sea and feel an earthquake, move to higher ground. Some
areas have evacuation signs telling you where to go.
An earthquake centered on the Puysegur Trench, off the coast of Southland, can
trigger a near source tsunami that may affect coastal communities south of Otago
Peninsula. Contact your local civil defence office for further details.
Tsunami may start as far away as South America, Asia or India. These distant
source tsunami take much longer to reach New Zealand. As distant source tsunami
will affect more of the coastline, national warnings will be issued by the Ministry of
Civil Defence and Emergency Management. These warnings are sent to the police
and civil defence and emergency management organisations. Warnings are also
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broadcast to the public on radio and television. Some communities have sirens that
may go off when this event happens.
Distant source tsunami may affect coastal communities of Otago. People living
OTAGO
CDEM of
LOGO
near
the mouth
rivers such as the Taieri and Clutha may also be affected as a
tsunami wave can travel up a river.
TITLE: SURVIVING AN EMERGENCY IN OTAGO
Tsunami can threaten lives and cause damage to your home, personal property
and transport routes.
Pickie of Otago
WHEN A TSUNAMI THREATENS:
DO
Turn on your radio and follow all instructions.
Possible Pickies fromPhotos drive:
DO
Take your getaway kit if you’re told to evacuate.
DO
Move inland to higher ground immediately if you’re district/flood
on the beach or
J:EENH/Waitaki
near a river when you feel an earthquake.
events/1980/[email protected]
DON’T Go to a river or beach to watch the waves come in.
J:Engineering/Taieri flood 30-07-07/garry/IMG 1979.jpg
J:Engineering/Taieri flood 30-07-07/helicopter flight 31 july
rbs/taieri looking ds with sh in foreground and riverside road at
lefthand edge.jpg
J:civil defence and EM/Milton and North 300707……….
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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landslips
Landslips
Landslips are the movement of rock, soil and debris down a slope and they are
often unpredictable. Landslips can result from shallow failure across the surface
of a slope or deep below the surface. They can be caused by intense rain, an
earthquake, construction work or the nature of the slope and its vegetation cover.
The landslip may be several metres wide or several hundred metres wide.
Your local council can give you information about landslip-prone areas.
Check for signs that the ground might be moving, such as sticking doors, gaps in frames
of windows and doors or decks and verandahs that may be tilting away from a house.
WHEN A LANDSLIP THREATENS
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DO
Evacuate and take your getaway kit with you.
DO
Warn neighbours who might be affected.
DO
Take photographs and notes for insurance purposes.
DON’T
Drive on or near landslips.
DON’T
Return to a site that has been affected by a landslip until it has been
properly inspected.
COASTAL EROSION
People who live on the coast should expect hazards to affect them from time to
time. These hazards may include coastal erosion, flooding from the sea or changes
in groundwater salinity. This may be a result of a sea level rise, tsunami or seasonal
storm events.
Erosion of the Otago coastline is a natural process that happens in any active
coastal environment. The Otago coastline has cliffs, gravel beaches and sandy bays
that are all susceptible to erosion from the sea and other natural processes. The
rate of erosion can be unpredictable but is often increased during storms and high
tides.
You can check with your local council about whether your home or community is
at risk from any of these events.
Many of the steps you would take to prepare your family for other hazards in
Otago can be used when coastal erosion is a risk.
WHEN COASTAL EROSION THREATENS
DO
Check your household insurance and ensure it’s up-to-date.
DO
Take your getaway kit if you’re told to evacuate.
DO
Have a safe way to get out of the house.
DO
Plan your evacuation route away from the coastline.
DON’T
Go sightseeing.
Your local council is your first contact when a disaster happens - contact details are on the
back page.
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GET READY GET THRU
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IS
EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Geographically isolated communities in Otago are unlikely to receive assistance
immediately after a severe emergency, especially if roads are blocked. Everybody
should make sure they can look after themselves for at least three days after an
emergency hits.
AT HOME
Complete a household emergency checklist which is available from your local
council and from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
See www.civildefence.govt.nz
This checklist should include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Your address.
A plan of your house, marked with an evacuation route.
Where you plan to take shelter if your home is at risk.
Important phone numbers so all family members can keep in touch.
Items to put in your getaway kit.
Items to include in a survival kit.
A meeting point or contact details if your family are separated.
Who will collect children from school.
Who is responsible for keeping your getaway kit up-to-date.
What radio stations to listen to for emergency broadcasts.
Contact details for neighbours who can help you or whom you can help.
How to turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains.
A contact phone number for your local council.
The location of your nearest civil defence post (where you can go for assistance
during an emergency).
It is also useful to:
• learn how to control small fires and know how to escape from a fire.
• know the local civil defence warning system.
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IN YOUR STREET
Join or form a neighbourhood support group as you and your neighbours can
share skills and resources that can be vital in an emergency. Start discussing today
what you can do to assist each other - you can contact civil defence staff at your
local council for details on getting started.
Become a civil defence volunteer yourself, especially if you move to a new
community. Not only will you learn about the risks to your neighbourhood but you
will also make friends. These people will help you respond to an emergency.
As well as your getaway kit, there are many other items that should be available
during an emergency. The list below is a basic guide and may not include items
specific to your needs. Review the list and add other important items as your
circumstances or family change.
YOUR EMERGENCY GETAWAY KIT
Each person in the house should have a small bag for their getaway kit, ready for
evacuation. Most of the items you need for a getaway kit are already part of your
emergency survival kit. Other things you need are:
Family documents:
•
•
•
•
•
Birth and marriage certificates.
Insurance policies.
Drivers’ licences.
FIRST AID
Personal hygiene items:
If someone you care for is
injured in a disaster, your
knowledge of First Aid may
be the difference between
life and death.
• Towels, soap, toothbrushes.
• A change of clothes.
• Toilet paper and sanitary items.
It is recommended that
you take a First Aid course,
followed by regular
refresher sessions.
Passports.
Family photos.
Babies’ and small children’s supplies:
• Food, formula and drink.
• Change of clothing and nappies.
• Favourite toy or activity.
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PEOPLE WITH IMPAIRMENTS OR ILLNESS
If you have an impairment or are ill, ensure your family or neighbours know about
your special requirements. Make arrangements now with family or neighbours to
help you in an emergency.
For instance, if you have a hearing impairment you may not hear radio warnings,
audible sirens or other warning devices. People with a sight impairment may have
extra difficulties if an earthquake rearranges the layout of their home. People with
asthma may find stress and dust trigger breathing problems.
If you use special medication, food or mobility aids make sure they are part of
your survival kit. The items you need may not be available at a civil defence post or
co-ordination centre. Make sure you have enough to last for at least three days.
DON’T FORGET YOUR PET
Have a permanent disc on your pet’s collar with your name, phone number and
address. Put that identification on a cat-box if you need to relocate your cat.
Include food for your pet in your emergency survival kit. Animals are self sufficient
and will survive with the basic necessities of water and food.
WHERE THERE IS TIME:
• If you are unable to take your animals with you or if you have been ordered
to leave your pets behind, you should release penned animals, including
chickens
• In cases of flooding, your pets can be placed in the roof space of your home
with food and water
• If you have stock, open internal farm gates but do not allow access to roads.
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PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH IN AN
EMERGENCY
Disruption to power supplies, water and sewerage reticulation for any length of
time can result in unhealthy environments and an increased risk of communicable
diseases such as gastroenteritis and respiratory illness.
Respiratory viruses are passed on by droplets when people cough and sneeze.
These viruses can survive for 48hrs on surfaces and may be picked up on hands
and transferred to the face and mouth.
Gastro enteric diseases can be spread via contaminated food and water or by
projectile vomiting. Disease producing organisms can survive on surfaces for
extended periods and may be picked up on hands and transferred to the mouth.
Drinking water
To make water safe for drinking, food preparation and hygiene:
• Boil for one minute or
• Add five drops of household bleach (e.g. Janola) per litre and stand for 30
minutes.
• Using bottled water and cans of drink will leave other water for cooking and
hygiene.
Food
Food will spoil if electricity fails for an extended period. Use food supplies
in the following order:
•
•
•
•
•
Fresh foods and food from the fridge (open fridges as few times as possible).
Food from a cabinet freezer.
Food from a chest freezer.
Canned and packaged foods should be used last.
Use water that has been boiled for at least one minute when preparing food.
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Personal hygiene
Hand hygiene is the most important way of preventing the spread of
disease:
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and, if possible, warm water and dry
thoroughly before preparing or eating food.
• Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing, wiping children’s noses, going
to the toilet or looking after sick people.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow not into your hand.
• Alcohol gels (60% or more alcohol) can be used on visibly clean hands.
Avoid spreading illness
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Don’t share eating utensils or drink bottles with sick people.
• If possible, stay at arms length (one metre) from others, particularly sick people,
to reduce the chance of catching illnesses.
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High risk areas for cleaning
• These include food preparation areas, high use equipment such as door and
tap handles, toilets, nappy changing areas, toys and play equipment, and
areas visibly contaminated with vomit or faeces.
How to clean
• Wear gloves and use disinfectant or bleach to kill micro-organisms that cause
respiratory and gastro enteric illness.
• Disposable cloths, used only once, are recommended for cleaning high risk
areas. Reusable cloths or mops should be soaked in bleach or disinfectant.
• Alcohol wipes (60% or more alcohol) are recommended for surfaces e.g.
keyboards and telephones, that cannot be wiped with disinfectant.
Disposing of sewage
• Human waste can quickly spread disease. Use a sturdy bucket or rubbish bin
lined with a strong, leak-proof plastic liner as a makeshift toilet. Put half a cup
of liquid bleach or some kitty litter into the plastic liner.
• Keep the bin completely covered when not in use. When full, tie the top firmly
and place it within another bag.
• Store the bag/s by burying underground away from your vegetable garden
and downstream from any water source.
• When normal systems/services are operational, uplift bags and dispose of
contents through a toilet system.
• Disposal of general waste.
• Dispose of used paper towels, tissues, disposable cleaning cloths, gloves and
aprons by placing into a heavy duty plastic bag sealed or tied and then into a
rubbish bin. Store in a safe place where bags cannot be torn or contaminated
until it can be disposed of.
• Use plastic bin liners to avoid leakage.
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For life threatening emergencies
first contact 111
FURTHER ASSISTANCE
Dunedin City Council 03 477 4000
www.dunedin.govt.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council 03 441 0499
www.qldc.govt.nz
Waitaki District Council
03 433 0300
www.waitaki.govt.nz
Central Otago District Council 03 440 0056
www.codc.govt.nz
Clutha District Council 03 419 0200 or 0800 801 350
www.cluthadc.govt.nz
Keep this booklet in a safe place
- it contains helpful advice
to assist you to survive an
emergency.
Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Office,
c/o Otago Regional Council 03 474 0827.
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