If a natural disaster struck in your locality today, how well would you cope? Only a small percentage of New Zealand’s population is prepared with knowledge and the ability to look after themselves for at least three days following a natural disaster. But although most of us live in blissful ignorance or denial, it is time for us to wake up and realise we are far from invulnerable to disasters.

New Zealand is a volcanic island on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is at risk from several natural hazards. Our hazardscape means we are vulnerable to events such as flooding, earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis and weather bombs. And these natural disasters possible right here on our doorstep are not the only dangers we might potentially face. Even though New Zealand is reasonably isolated, it is not immune from pandemics, terrorism, technological or man-made disasters.

So what are some steps you can take to increase your chance of survival and getting through? Getting yourself informed should probably be the first thing that you do. There is ample information specific to New Zealand’s risks freely available on the internet. A good place to start is the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management website. Most local district councils display information specific for your locality on their webpages. It is critical that you inform yourself on which hazards you are most vulnerable to in your area. For example if you are at risk of tsunami, you will need to get to know the three natural warning signs for evacuation (an earthquake that is so big it is hard to remain standing; one that is longer than a minute or strange sea behaviour are all natural signs that mean you should evacuate up higher or inland) – because they may be the only signs you will get. Follow the recommended preparation strategies as best as you can. Even if it takes some time to get fully prepared, every step you take to achieving that goal increases your chances of survival and in getting through a little more comfortably.

Don’t be complacent, get yourself some survival skills. You may never need them, but then again you just might!