Review, renew emergency plans
Opinion: We are amonth into 2022 and there are already challenges we are all facing, with the threat of the Omicron variant of Covid, drastic weather, not to mention the terrible experience for Tonga with the subsequent tsunami warning for New Zealand.
All of these are timely reminders for us all to review and renew our emergency plans and kits for both our homes and our workplaces.
A home emergency kit is something we should all have, with enough food and water to last your household at least three days along with basic medical supplies.
Adding a couple of items into your regular shop is one way to get your supplies ready, without any need for panic buying.
But having a kit is not the only thing you need to do.
It is important to regularly review your supplies to ensure nothing has expired, the batteries are working and your drinkingwater has been replaced.
Having this as a regular new year routinewill help to keep your kit up to date and functional. With the ongoing pandemic, there are other additions you should consider for your emergency kits.
Most of us have our Covid vaccine passports on our phones.
It’s a good idea to print a backup physical copy so you will always have an accessible version.
Masks and hand sanitiser should also be included in your kits if they aren’t already.
Your emergency plan for your family may need updating too.
More andmore of us are working from home in some capacity which may need to be taken into account.
For example, where you will meet if a natural disaster occurs during work hours, or whowill be picking up other family members if they are somewhere else such as at school.
How will things change if someone is isolating because of Covid? Have these discussions now so you are ready if the need arises.
Now is also a good time to meet your neighbours.
Becoming connected in your community means you have a wider support network to help you in a time of need, but that you can also help otherswhen they need your support too.
Consider getting involved in local activities or sports groups so you canmeet more people in your community.
You could even join or start up a local Neighbourhood Support Group.
Or take the opportunity to celebrate Neighbour’s Day in March by hosting a local event.
One thing we have learnt from the last two years with Covid is that community connection is important and helps build resilience, both when things are going well and in the more challenging times.
Emergency plans are somethingwe all hope we never have to put into action, however it is something we all need to have ready.
So make some time in the coming weeks to have a conversation with your household and your workplace so that you and those around you are prepared.
You can find useful information and planning tools on getready.govt.nz