Get Ready 101: Know Your Risk (in minutes)
Do you live somewhere it floods?
Near the coast?
Close to a fault line?
Not something front of mind for most people. But it should be.
Because one of the most important things you can do to get ready is understand what's likely to happen where you live.
Why it matters
Natural disasters don't normally give you much of a heads up. But, knowing your risk means you're not guessing. This means you can respond faster, and store the right things in the right place. It's a way to stay in control when other things aren't.
What your risk actually changes:
- Flood zone: Store supplies high, and have both grab-and-go and shelter-in-place readiness options sorted
- Coastal areas: Know your evacuation routes and be ready to leave quickly
- Earthquake zones : Plan for no power, water or access for at least 3 days
- Cities / urban areas: Be ready to shelter in place
You don't need to be prepared for every disaster. It’s about planning for what’s likely, and limiting that disruption - until emergency response or help can get to you.
Take 5 minutes now to:
- Look up your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group or council hazard maps
- Check your home, work and School
- Ask yourself: "Would we be OK for at least 3-7 days if this hit"? If the answer's no - that's a good starting point.
What next?
Once you know your risk, you only need to do 3 things:
- Make a plan. Who does what or informs who? See: Get Ready 101: Household Plans.
- Sort your essentials. Food. Water. A way to cook.
- Store it all properly. Waterproof, rodent-proof and accessible. (Not buried under the camping gear).
Make it easy on yourself!
Want it sorted in one go? Grab a ready-made kit and build out from there.
Prefer to build your own supplies? Check out our range of water filters and cookers.
