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Disaster guidelines

Disaster guidelines

Know how to prepare for a disaster and what to do if one threatens you, your family or community.

Be prepared

By taking a few precautions, you can be better prepared to respond to disasters.

Alert the authorities

In case of emergency, call Emergency Services immediately on 021 480 7700.
  • Create a family emergency plan that coordinates your evacuation in the event of a disaster. Decide where you and your family will meet, and how you will get there. Make sure each family member has a copy of the plan.
  • If you have a serious medical condition, wear medic alert tags or bracelets that identify your illness.
  • Create a document that gives essential information about each family member: ID number, date of birth. Important medical information, home address, school or work address, phone numbers, medical aid and insurance details.
  • Identify at least two exits from every room, and check for any items that could block your escape path from the building.
  • Remove any fire hazards from your home to reduce the risk of fire.

Create a disaster supply kit

You should have enough supplies on hand for you and your family to survive for at least three days during a disaster. Keep a disaster supply kit in your home and at your place of work, if possible.

Your disaster supply kit should contain the following items:

  • Water: Five litres of water per person per day for at least three days – for drinking, cleaning and personal hygiene
  • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (tinned food, cereal bars, nuts, biscuits, etc) for your family
  • Battery-powered AM/FM radio with extra batteries
  • Torch or battery-powered lantern with extra batteries
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Whistle
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Matches and / or gas lighter
  • Clothing and strong shoes
  • Blankets and / or sleeping bag
  • Map of your local area
  • Pen and paper
  • Personal hygiene supplies
  • Essential medication
  • Cash and debit / credit cards
  • Important documents: ID, banking records, insurance information

What to do during a disaster

If your community is at risk, you may have to get away from danger. This can mean staying in your home or getting to a place of safety like a shelter or hall.

Decide whether to stay where you are or evacuate:

  • If you have a television or radio, listen to news reports for advice about whether to stay or evacuate.
  • If you or your family are in immediate danger, leave the place where you are staying.
  • Contact the City's emergency services on 021 480 7700.
  • If you are told to evacuate by your local authorities (police, fire service, local government), leave immediately.

If you have to stay:

  • Make sure that your shelter (home, school or place of work) is safe and secure.
  • Bring your family and pets inside.
  • If the local authorities tell you to seal off the room that you are in, do the following: close the windows and doors, switch off any fans or air conditioners, and seal off the gaps around doorways with tape.

If you have to evacuate:

  • If you have to evacuate your home, shut off the water and electricity or gas before leaving.
  • If you have pets, take them with you if possible.
  • Continue to monitor news reports for further instructions.

Get support from the City

Our Community Risk Assessment workshops get communities together to tackle issues that are the most important for your safety and security.

Please note

In an emergency, please call 021 480 7700.

Everyone in the community must be responsible for safety in the event of a disaster. Download and complete a family disaster plan from our Family Disaster Preparedness Guidelines so that you are in a position to help yourself, your family and others.

Special needs residents

Whether you are an older person with limited ability, or a person with a disability, a  get the help you need should a disaster or major emergency occur. Check our Disaster Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities Pamphlet.

Establish a personal support network

  • Ask people you trust if they are willing to help you in case of a disaster.
  • Identify contacts for important locations such as home, work or school.
  • Let these support people know where your disaster supply kit is stored, and give one person a key to your home.
  • Have a support network or contact person who is far enough away that they are unlikely to be affected by the same disaster.
  • If you rely on life-sustaining equipment or require regular attendant care, ask your support network to check on you immediately if an emergency or disaster occurs; and have a backup plan in the event of a power outage.

Adapt your disaster supply kit

  • Include items that you need to assist with your specialised needs.
  • Label all of your special needs equipment including instructions on how to use each assistive device during an emergency.
  • List all food and medication allergies as well as current medication. For each medication, specify the medical condition being treated, the generic name, dosage, frequency, and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor.

Be aware and prepared

You are in the best position to know your abilities and needs before, during and after a disaster.

  • Be aware of potential hazards in the place where you live and work, and how to respond to them.
  • Ensure that you and your support network can contact each other – even if the phones are not working.

Document downloads

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