<aside> <img src="/icons/forward_orange.svg" alt="/icons/forward_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Welcome to PreparingNZ! We’re thrilled to have you here as you take your first steps towards becoming more prepared and self-sufficient. Whether you’re new to the concept of prepping or looking to enhance your existing skills, this guide will help you get started on the right foot. Our mission is to inspire and support New Zealanders in building a more resilient and supportive community.

Why Prepare?

Preparation is about more than just stocking up on supplies. It’s about creating peace of mind, ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones, and building a sense of community resilience. Being prepared means you can handle unexpected events with confidence, whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or a personal emergency.

Steps to Get Started

We are currently developing a Baby Steps to Preparedness program, but here are the basics:

Assess Your Situation: Evaluate local risks, understand your family’s needs, and take stock of your current resources.
Educate Yourself: Learn basic preparedness concepts, engage with the community, and study specific scenarios.
Create a Plan: Develop an emergency plan, document it, and practise regularly with your family.
Build a Kit: Assemble a basic emergency kit tailored to your family’s needs and maintain it regularly.
Strengthen Your Skills: Learn practical skills, attend workshops and training, and share knowledge within your community.

1. Assess Your Situation

Evaluate Local Risks

Research local hazards: Identify potential natural disasters and emergencies specific to your area (e.g., earthquakes, floods, volcanic activity).
Check historical data: Look at past incidents to understand the frequency and impact of these risks.

Finding Information on Natural Hazards in Your Area

Understand Family Needs

Make a list of medical conditions: Note any chronic illnesses or special health needs.
Identify dietary requirements: Consider allergies and dietary preferences.
Consider special needs: Account for the needs of children, elderly family members, and pets.

Assess Current Resources

Inventory existing supplies: Check what emergency supplies you already have.
Evaluate home safety: Inspect your home for vulnerabilities (e.g., unsecure furniture in an earthquake-prone area).
Identify skills: List the skills you and your family members possess that could be useful in an emergency.

2. Educate Yourself

Learn Basic Concepts

Read articles and guides: Start with beginner-friendly resources on our website.
Watch videos: Explore our video library for visual learning on various topics.
Join webinars: Participate in our online seminars and workshops.

Engage with the Community

Join forums: Register on our community forums to discuss and ask questions.
Attend local meetings: Look for local prepping groups and attend their meetings or events.
Follow social media: Stay updated by following PreparingNZ on social media platforms.

Study Specific Scenarios

Earthquake preparedness: Learn how to secure your home and what to do during an earthquake.
Flood response: Understand the steps to take before, during, and after a flood.
Power outage strategies: Know how to manage during extended power outages.

3. Create a Plan

Develop an Emergency Plan

Establish communication protocols: Decide how your family will communicate during an emergency.
Designate meeting points: Choose safe locations where your family can meet if separated.
Plan evacuation routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and neighbourhood.

Write It Down

Document the plan: Write down all details and make copies for each family member.
Create a checklist: Include tasks to complete before, during, and after an emergency.

Practice Regularly

Conduct drills: Practice your emergency plan with your family at least twice a year.
Review and update: Regularly review and update your plan to account for changes in your family’s needs or circumstances.

4. Build a Kit

Assemble Basic Supplies

Food and water: Stock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (1 litre per person per day).
First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other medical supplies.
Tools and gear: Gather essential tools such as a flashlight, multi-tool, matches, and a whistle.

Personal Items

Clothing and bedding: Pack extra clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags.
Hygiene supplies: Include soap, hand sanitiser, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.
Important documents: Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, and other critical documents in a waterproof container.

Communication and Power

Backup power sources: Invest in battery packs and solar chargers for electronics.
Communication devices: Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency updates.

Customise Your Kit

Tailor to specific needs: Add items based on your family’s unique needs, such as baby formula, pet supplies, or prescription medications.
Review and rotate: Regularly check your supplies for expiration dates and replace items as needed.

5. Strengthen Your Skills

Learn Practical Skills

First aid and CPR: Take a first aid and CPR course through organisations like St. John New Zealand.
Basic home repairs: Learn how to fix common household issues, such as leaks and electrical problems.
Water purification: Understand methods to purify water, such as boiling, filtering, and chemical treatment.

Attend Workshops and Training

Local workshops: Participate in community-led workshops on various preparedness topics.
Online courses: Enrol in online courses to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Hands-on practice: Practise new skills regularly to ensure proficiency.

Community and Support

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Prepping is a community effort, and there’s strength in numbers. Connect with your neighbours and local community groups to share resources, knowledge, and support. Participate in community events and training sessions to build strong relationships and a network of mutual aid.

Join Our Community

Become part of the PreparingNZ community. Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, and engage with our content. Share your progress, ask for advice, and offer support to others. Together, we can create a prepared and resilient New Zealand.

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