Household Emergency Plan

Before a disaster you and any family members will need to have developed a Household Emergency Plan.  Having a pre-arranged Plan means people will know the action they should take and the action other family members will take even if communication between each other is impossible.

Your Household Plan..

Everyone knows how and where you will meet up, during and after a disaster

Everyone knows the designated contact person outside the region

Everyone knows who is authorised to collect the children from school

Everyone knows how to turn off essential services

A plan of the house shows places to shelter, exits, assembly areas, where to turn off water, electricity and gas. 

Everyone knows the escape routes from all areas of the home

Everyone knows the designated meeting place outside the house

Everyone knows the location of the Emergency Survival Kit  

Everyone knows which radio station they can listen to for advice and information

Everyone knows when they should evacuate the home and when to stay

Everyone knows the location of the nearest Civil Defence Centre

 

People with Special Needs

People with special needs will require assistance in any disaster and they should be identified in Household and Neighbourhood Support Group Emergency Plans. People and organisations which will need help include: pre-school and school organisations, blind, deaf, disabled, elderly and infirm, mothers with young children and people who require language translation.

 

Pets

As a result of a disaster, you may have to leave your home or even your district and may be unable to find your pet to take it with you. It is also possible you may not be able to return home for several days. Make sure your pet has a collar and disc with your name, address and phone number and that you have emergency food and water supplies for them as well as a spare lead or carry cage (for cats and small dogs). If you have to evacuate and cannot take pets with you, feed your pets first and leave them outside.

However much you care for your animals, put human life of first importance. The SPCA will be active in emergencies. Advise your Civil Defence Centre of any concerns you have about your pets so they can contact the SPCA. Remember that animals may be more adaptable and self sufficient than you think.