In an emergency

Emergencies can happen at any time. Find out what to do before, during and after an emergency to keep yourself, your employees and your business safe.

There’s often little warning before disaster strikes. Find out how to prepare your business for when it does.

Watch: Emergencies happen – be prepared

Video transcript: Emergencies happen – be prepared

[Audio/Visual: Upbeat music starts playing with a blue introduction screen with white business.govt.nz logo. The words “Emergencies happen – be prepared” appear on screen for a few seconds. The screen cuts to a shot of the Auckland city skyline at night.]

Picture this: The lights go out in a power cut while you’re at work.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a picture of a severe weather warning across New Zealand. It shows a picture of the country segmented by red, orange and yellow shading to show the different weather alerts.]

Or an extreme weather warning is announced.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter in front of a blue background.]

Do you and your staff know what to do? Here are some emergencies you might need a plan for — keep in mind that some may be more of a threat to you than others.

[Visual: The title: Plan for emergencies appears on the top right of the screen. Below this, bullet points appear in order as the presenter says them:

Earthquake
Flood
Tsunami
Volcanic eruption
Ash
Landslide
Tornado or high winds
Extreme weather
Drought
Major storm
Fire

The title and bullet points disappear after they’ve been listed”]

An earthquake, flood, tsunami, volcanic eruption or ash, landslide, tornado or high winds, extreme weather, like a drought, major storm, and fire.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a shot of a team having a discussion at a table in an office.]

Say one of these disasters suddenly hits, does your team know what to do to stay safe? Do different staff have different ideas of what the right thing to do is?

[Visual: the screen cuts to three people in a meeting room. Two have laptops, one Is writing in a notebook.]

To help you communicate with your team about what to do, here are the recommended steps to take in a natural disaster, thanks to business.govt.nz.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter on the left side of the screen. A title appears in the top right in bold white text “To prepare before a storm”. Bullet points appear below this as the presenter says them:

Tie down loose items
Stock up essentials

The bullet points disappear after a few seconds.]

To prepare before a storm, tie down anything that could be lifted by high winds, or bring them inside. Have your essential items stocked up, such as water, in case you need to remain inside for a long period.

[Visual: the title changes to say “During the storm”. Bullet points appear below this as the presenter says them:

Stay inside
Don’t drive
Choose a safe place]

During the storm, stay inside, avoid walking around outside, and don't drive unless absolutely necessary. Choose a safe place in your home to remain during a thunderstorm. This should be somewhere with no windows, skylights, or glass doors that could break and cause damage or injury.

[Visual: the screen cuts to an upper body shot of the presenter. All text is removed from the screen.]

When a landslide occurs, it often happens without warning. Landslides can be triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes and, in some cases, human activity.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter.]
If you’re not sure what to look out for, beware of small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes, new cracks or bulges on the ground, and tilting trees, walls or fences, all of which can be signs of a landslide.

Act fast to get out of the path of the landslide quickly, warn your neighbours, and contact emergency services and your local council to alert them of the slip.

Floods are prone to happening frequently in New Zealand, and can cause serious damage and even loss of life.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a shot of Auckland’s Hazard Viewer, open on the “Flooding tab”. The title reads “Flooding – Waipukenga”, with a subtitle below this reading “Flooding is Auckland’s most frequent natural hazard”. Body text below this reads “This flood map shows the extent of flooding expected around the Auckland region during severe rainfall events. However, areas that are not highlighted may also experience flooding in some circumstances. There are two layers:
Flood plains show areas predicted to be covered by flood water as a result of a 1-in-100 year rainstorm event by river or surface flooding.

Flood prone areas are low points in the ground that may flood. They are often associated with roads or railway embankments, or places where water can become trapped and pool if their outlet is blocked. These areas are also associated with 1-in-100 year rainfall events.

A flood happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms the capacity of natural or designed drainage systems. Floods become dangerous if the water is very deep or travelling very fast or if the flood waters have risen very quickly, or if they contain debris like tree branches and sheets of iron.

What you can do

If you find your home or property lies within an area that may be affected by flooding, you can take some steps to help protect yourself and your belongings”.

On the right is a map of Auckland with highlighted areas showing they are prone to flooding.]

Before flooding, find out from your local council if your business is at risk and how they’ll alert you if you need to evacuate.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter.]
When you contact your local council, here are some questions to ask about:

[Visual: the screen cuts to a blue background. A bold white title says, “Contact your local council”. A bullet point appears below this and changes as the presenter reads out the point:

“What are the evacuation plans and local public alerting systems?.
What to do with livestock if you have to evacuate.
How can you reduce the risk of future flooding to your business?
What supplies you might need to make a plan?”]

What are the evacuation plans and local public alerting systems?

What to do with livestock if you have to evacuate.

How can you reduce the risk of future flooding to your business?

What supplies you might need to make a plan?

[Visual: the screen cuts to a woman presenting an emergency plan to a group of three people.]

With the information provided, you can devise an emergency plan with your team, and practise it, quizzing team members to ensure that they know what to do to keep themselves and customers safe.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter.]

Make sure your insurance policy covers you for flood damage, too.

During flooding, put safety first, and act quickly if you see rising water by heading to higher ground.

[Visual: the screen cuts to two women demonstrating the “drop, cover and hold” technique but climbing under a table.]

In an earthquake, drop, cover and hold. This means dropping down on your hands and knees, and covering over your head and neck - or your entire body if possible - under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

[Visual: the screen shows a women kneeling under a desk and holding onto one of the desk legs.]

Hold on to your shelter, whether this be an object or just yourself, until the shaking stops.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter.]
If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.

Do not try to stand in a doorway, and if you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.

Even after earthquake shaking stops, move with care as debris can cause further injuries.

[Visual: the screen cuts to two people kneeling in front of theatre seats or a grandstand, while covering their heads with their arms. After a few seconds, the two people stand up and start looking around for other people.]

As soon as the shaking stops, check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. If you’re safe and able, help others if you can.

[Visual: the screen cuts to a profile shot of the presenter.]

If you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone, you need to move to higher ground immediately, or as far inland as you can.

[Visual: the screen cuts briefly to a picture of a tsunami hazard zone warning sign. The sign screwed to a wooden post with the ocean in the background and says “Tsunami hazard zone – in case of earthquake go to high ground or inland”. After a couple of seconds, the screen cuts back to a profile shot of the presenter.]

You can read more about what to do in a tsunami in the learning summary of this video.

If you want more information on how to prepare before a disaster, watch our video on planning for an emergency. A link can also be found in the learning summary.

[Audio / Visual: The music slowly fades out while a blue outro screen appears with the business.govt.nz logo in the centre of the screen. This logo disappears and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment logo appears on the left-hand side and the Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa, New Zealand Government logo appears on the right-hand side.]

[Video ends]

Storms

Storms can happen at any time of the year. They can bring strong winds, heavy rain or snow, thunder, lightning, tornadoes and rough seas.

Before a storm

Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects. Tie down anything that could be lifted by high winds, or bring them inside.

Secure windows and doors. Have tools and material ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.

Get supplies, such as water, in case you need to remain inside your premises during a storm.

Identify a safe place in your premises to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. These could break in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

How to assess health and safety risks

During a storm

Stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.

Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.

Stay informed during an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services.

Avoid water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use your water from your emergency supplies.

Unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.

After a storm

Keep listening to the radio or following your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. They will give you information and instructions.

Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

Contact your local council if your building has been severely damaged. Ask your council for advice on how to clean up debris safely.

Stay alert for extended rainfall, flooding, landslides and debris hazards, especially when driving.

If your premises are damaged

Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you rent your premises, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.
Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims.

Storms(external link) — Get ready

Landslides

Landslides can happen without warning. They are often triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes and, in some cases, human activity.

Before a landslide

Check if your area might be prone to landslides. Areas that are prone to landslides include areas with:

existing old landslides
steep slopes
drainage channels on steep slopes
streams and riverbanks, or
coastal cliffs.

Review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your business is important to help you get back on your feet if you suffer damage in a disaster.

Know the warning signs so you can act quickly if you see them. Regularly inspect your premises, especially after long dry spells, earthquakes or heavy rainfall.

Look for:

small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
sticking doors and window frames
gaps where frames are not fitting properly
outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the property
new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces; and
tilting trees, retaining walls or fences.

During a landslide

Get out of the path of the landslide quickly.

Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger — take your grab bag with you if you can do so quickly.

Warn neighbours and help others if you can.

Contact emergency services and your local council.

After a landslide

Stay alert for future landslides.

Stay away from the landslide area until it has been properly inspected and authorities give the all-clear.

Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

If your property is damaged

Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.
Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claim.

Landslides(external link) — Get ready

Flooding

Floods happen often in New Zealand and can cause a lot of damage and loss of life.

Before flooding

Find out from your local council if your business is at risk from flooding and how they’ll alert you if you need to evacuate.

Ask about:

evacuation plans and local public alerting systems
what to do with your livestock if you have to evacuate
how you can reduce the risk of future flooding to your business.

Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan.

Practise your emergency plan and your evacuation route to higher ground.

Take measures to reduce potential flood damage and make sure your insurance policy covers you for flood damage.

During flooding

Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.

Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.

Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.

If flooding is possible

Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.

Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local civil defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.

Move stock to higher ground.

Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.

Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.

After flooding

Only return to your business premises after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so. It may not be safe to return even when the floodwaters have receded.

Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.

Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

If your property is damaged

Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Once you’ve contacted your insurers, photograph contaminated or damaged property and put aside, taking care to deal with any hazardous materials appropriately.
Your insurer will advise if you can do emergency repairs to make your business premises safe and secure.
Electricity in flooded buildings should not be turned on until it has been inspected by an electrician.
Don’t use any vehicles or electrical equipment that have been flooded.
If you rent your premises, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.

Cleaning up after a flood

Clean and dry your business premises and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your premises unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your premises after a flood.

Mould may make some people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems sick.

Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a property that has been flooded. If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.

Protect yourself by wearing:

a certified respirator
goggles
gloves
protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and
sturdy footwear.

Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.

Flooding(external link) — Get ready

Fire and wildfire

Stay safe and reduce the risk of fire over summer.

Before a fire

Don’t wait until there’s smoke in the air to prepare.

Help defend your property from fire or wildfire by:

keeping your grass short around buildings on your property
keeping gutters and areas around decks clear of dead leaves, debris and pine needles
removing highly flammable plants close to buildings on your property
making a plan to evacuate for employees and customers
ensure there is easy access to water for firefighting
check the wildfire risk regularly, and think about when you do particular outdoor activities that could generate a spark to reduce the risk of an accidental fire.

Can I light a fire?(external link) — Fire and Emergency New Zealand

During a fire

If you see smoke or fire and believe there's a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire' immediately.

If you're not sure whether it's a real emergency or not, call 111 and report what you can see.

If you are in a house or building that is in the path of an approaching fire or is impacted by smoke and embers, evacuate from the area as quickly as possible. Call 111 as soon as you can safely do so without delaying your evacuation.

Meet friends, family or staff at your agreed safe meeting place — somewhere safely away from the property.

Once you're out of danger, stay away. Do not return until the “all clear” has been given.

Remember to let the arriving firefighters know whether you are all safely out or if there’s anyone missing.

After a wildfire

If a wildfire has burned your land, it’s important that you understand the hazards that may be left behind – even if your buildings themselves were not damaged.

Potential impacts include:

damaged fences
dangerously damaged and unstable trees
ash pits which can be extremely hot long after the fire has passed
contaminated water tanks.

You should seek advice from Fire and Emergency before returning to your property, to ensure it is safe for you and your staff and customers.

If you've been involved in a fire and need support, call these people and let them know what happened. They may be able to provide support.

your insurance company
your bank or mortgage company.

It's also important to contact anybody providing services to the property, such as:

post office
electricity supplier
local council
gas supplier
phone and internet provider.

They'll be able to talk you through the next steps.

Visit Fire and Emergency's website for safety tips to lower the risk of wildfire when you’re lighting a fire or doing anything that could cause a spark, to check whether it’s safe to light a fire, and if you’ll need a fire permit.

Check before you light a fire(external link) — Fire and Emergency New Zealand

More information about emergency planning and insurance

Emergency planning

Get your work ready for an emergency(external link) — Get ready

Insurance

Learning from incidents

In an emergency

Watch: Emergencies happen – be prepared

Video transcript: Emergencies happen – be prepared

What you can do

Storms

Before a storm

During a storm

After a storm

Landslides

Before a landslide

During a landslide

After a landslide

Flooding

Before flooding

During flooding

If flooding is possible

After flooding

If your property is damaged

Cleaning up after a flood

Fire and wildfire

Before a fire

During a fire

After a wildfire

More information about emergency planning and insurance

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