Emergency preparation and support

New Zealand is at risk from a range of natural hazards. This page includes information on what support is available for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and whānau before, during, and after an emergency event.

Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is a support agency under the New Zealand Civil Defence legislation. This means we support lead agencies that have the responsibility for leading an emergency response and recovery.

Accessible information for emergencies

The Get Ready website has information and resources in alternate formats about emergency preparedness:

Audio external URL

Braille external URL

Easy Read external URL

Large Print external URL

NZSL external URL

What to do during an emergency

If your life, health, or property are in danger, please call 111 immediately. You can text if you are registered for the 111 text service. Learn about registering for the 111 text service external URL .

Where to get updates

For up-to-date information on current emergencies across New Zealand, visit:

Civil Defence website external URL  

Civil Defence Facebook page external URL

You can also find local information through your local Civil Defence Group.

For the latest weather updates, visit:

MetService website external URL  

MetService Facebook page external URL

If you need to evacuate your home

If there is an emergency or a disaster you might have to leave your home very quickly. This is called evacuating.

If you feel in danger and think you need to evacuate because of an emergency like a fire, a landslide, a flood, or an earthquake, do not wait to be told to evacuate. There might not be time for an official warning to be sent, so it is important that you recognise the natural warning signs, trust your feelings and act quickly.

Do not wait for Police, Fire and Emergency, or a Civil Defence team to evacuate you. Emergency services do not have a list of people that need to be helped in an emergency or disaster.

Even if you ring 111, emergency services might not be able to reach you because the roads could be difficult to get through. There may not be enough time or people to evacuate everyone.

Trust your decision to evacuate and do it quickly because it might take you longer and be harder than when you’ve practiced. Knowing what to do in an emergency is your best protection and your responsibility.

Make sure you have a plan

Come up with a plan and practice it so you know what to do if there is an emergency. 

Think about where you will go, who will help you, and what you will need to take with you. If you have already thought about these things, you will be able to act more quickly, and you’ll be more confident that you are making the right decision.

To find out how to make a plan, visit the Get Ready website external URL .

Power outages

If you need a power supply to keep life-sustaining equipment working, it’s very important to have a plan.

Your power supply cannot be guaranteed in an emergency. If you rely on power for critical medical support, contact your power company now.  They can help you put an emergency response plan in place, so you know what to do if the power goes out in an emergency.

If you don’t have critical power in an emergency, and your health or life is in danger,  call 111 if possible or go to your nearest medical centre. 

As power begins to come back on, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from potential fire hazards. Switch off all light switches, power outlets and cooking appliances in a power cut and check for any damage before you switch things back on.

Wellbeing and mental health

After natural disasters and times of uncertainty it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, distressed, and uneasy. Support is available, so please reach out if you or your whānau need it.

A range of services are available to help support your mental health and wellbeing.

Key insurance information

After an emergency or natural disaster:

  • do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property
  • contact your insurance company as soon as possible
  • if you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company
  • take photos of any damage to speed up assessments of your claims.

Further support is available through these organisations: