When an emergency happens, it’s best to have supplies to look after yourself and those in your care for at least three days. Check out what supplies you should have on hand on http://getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/supplies
FIRE:
It may seem like common sense, but if you have a FIRE IN YOUR FLAT, remember:
- You have 3 minutes to GET OUT safely.
- Expect to feel disorientated in the toxic smoke GET DOWN, GET LOW, GET OUT!
- Shout to others: “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!”
- Follow your ESCAPE PLAN – talk about it and practise as part of your household agreement.
Ask yourselves THREE questions when setting up a fire evacuation plan upon moving in:
- What are the safe ways OUT?
- How will we all make sure EVERYONE gets out?
- Where will you all meet SAFELY?
In the event of a fire, call 111 and ask for ‘FIRE’. Give your name, address, suburb and city. Stay on the line! Meet with flatties and guests at your safe meeting place. Account for anyone missing. DON’T go back inside!
Prevention is BEST:
- Check smoke alarms regularly (use a broom handle to press the button), replace batteries and don’t remove or move the fire alarms without your landlord’s consent.
- Use electric heaters rather than LPG gas and remember the ‘metre from the heater’ rule.
- Clean out your lint catcher in the dryer. This should be done after every use.
- Don’t light fires – including in your recycling or rubbish bins.
- 1 in 4 fires start in the kitchen. Don’t drink and fry or leave the room when cooking!
- 1 in 6 fires start in the bedroom. Never leave candles unattended, and use the correct light bulb size and rating (watts) in lamps. Close your bedroom door at night – a closed door can majorly reduce smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.
- Replace electric blankets or get them checked regularly. Roll them for storage (don’t fold) and don’t put heavy objects on top of the bed when they’re on. Turn it OFF before you sleep! Make sure cords are not twisted!
- Keep a torch or phone handy at night.
- Appliances: turn off when not in use, keep away from water, use ‘safety tested’ second-hand appliances, don’t use if faulty, and allow space and airflow around them.
- ONE heater or appliance per plug. Don’t overload multi-boards or plug one multi-board into another multi-board. Uncurl extension leads when in use.
- Hot water bottle safety – never use boiling water. Make sure the top is firmly closed. Use it to warm the bed, then remove before getting into bed. Use a cover or a towel before using to help prevent burns. Check and replace your hot water bottle regularly.
EARTHQUAKES:
- Dunedin is located on Otago’s most active fault, so make sure you’ve outlined a plan to keep yourself safe.
- It’s a good idea to talk about an emergency plan as part of your household agreement – identify safe places inside and outside your flat.
- During a quake – DROP, COVER, HOLD.
- Stay INSIDE until shaking STOPS, under stable furniture or by internal walls.
- Go outside only when safe to do so, into an OPEN SPACE away from power lines and trees.
- Listen to and follow Civil Defence emergency advice.
FLOODS:
- Collect sandbags to keep water out.
- Move valuable or dangerous items as high above the floor as possible, including electrical equipment and chemicals.
- Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.
- Follow Civil Defence emergency advice and be prepared to evacuate if you feel unsafe.