Your Bounce policy is your first line of defence against earthquakes. It will help you recover faster in response to the next large earthquake event that triggers the Bounce policy. Now that you’ve improved your financial preparation, what are some next steps to continue getting better prepared for a disaster?
Here are a few of our favourite preparation tips:
1. Write down on a piece of paper and keep it in your wallet: the mobile numbers of your spouse/children/parents and the phone numbers of the school/workplaces where they are during the day.
2. Stash some cash. Without power, payment systems are not working so you will need cash to buy supplies.
3. Have a plan and a map to ensure your family can re-connect.
4. If you have a water cylinders (especially gas), brace it to prevent it from toppling over.
5. Secure heavy and larger furniture to walls so they don’t fall on you.
6. If you haven’t got one, then connect up a water tank to collect rainwater.
7. Go meet one of your neighbours – you might need to rely on each other.
8. Remove any heavy items hanging above your bed.
9. Keep shoes next to your bed to avoid stepping on broken glass.
10. When outshopping, pick up a solar charger. If the power is out, your phone will be an essential lifeline. Likewise have a battery powered radio.
11. Maintain a recovery pack for you and your family including supplies of food, clothes, and gear to keep you warm and dry.
Here are some useful links for more tips on preparation:
· Get ready with the South Island Alpine Fault Earthquake Response (SAFER) framework
· Get Ready preparation for an earthquake
