Civil Defence

The 4 R’s

Reduction

During a disaster, buildings, ground and objects can move, fall, break or burn, causing injury or property damage.

You should aim to reduce the effects of a disaster on you and your property by:

• having the structural soundness of your home checked by a builder when you move in or after making structural alterations
• having the structural soundness of grounds checked by a civil engineer if you see signs of ground movement
• securing, moving or repairing items within your home
• maintaining the grounds outside your home

Preparation can save lives, prevent injury and reduce losses when people know how to respond in an emergency.

Get ready by:

• developing disaster plans for your home and business
• preparing survival kits and disaster equipment
• learning how to turn off the utilities in your home and at work
• learning first aid, light search and rescue and fire fighting skills
• holding regular safety sessions
• learning what to do during a disaster
• learning what to do after a disaster has occurred
• talking to your neighbours - what are their needs?

Response activities can maintain your safety, and protect your property from damage. Response activities occur during and immediately after a disaster.

What do I do after the… flood, earthquake, landslip, storm, volcanic eruption?… are questions about response.

Check out the Ministry of Civil Defence "Get Ready, Get Thru" website for information on what to do after an event like a flood or a landslide.

Visit the Get Ready, Get Thru website www.getthru.govt.nz

Recovery

When the immediate danger has passed, the recovery starts. Recovery activities aim to restore usual function to a community. After a disaster, it can take months and even years to achieve this goal.

Be sure to talk to your insurance company too!