Not all emergencies are caused by the forces of nature. It is just as important to be prepared for non-natural hazards such as pandemics and wildfires. These hazards may be limited to a small area or their effects may be widespread.
WHAT IS A NON-NATURAL HAZARD?
Non-natural hazards are caused by human activity and include wildfires (also known as bushfires), pandemics (Avian or swine flu), biohazards (chemical spills), transportation accidents (trains, planes) and terrorism (bombs, threats). In these situations, always tell an adult or appropriate authority, and follow instructions carefully.
Pandemic
A pandemic is a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease throughout a region or even the world, for example Avian or swine flu, or SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Besides the large numbers of deaths caused by pandemics, they also result in huge disruptions to society. Medical services are overwhelmed, schools and businesses closed down, transportation and trade reduced, and borders closed.
For more information, see the Ministry of Health website: www.moh.govt.nz/influenza.
Before
- Talk to your family and friends about health hygiene – hand washing, and safe coughing and sneezing.
- Make sure you have your emergency survival items.
- Include paracetamol (for fever) in your home emergency survival items.
- Have a plan for what you and your family would do if you had to stay at home, possibly for weeks, during a pandemic.
During
- Stay home if you are sick, keep away from other people and avoid visitors.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling food and after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, wiping children’s noses or when looking after sick people.
- Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in the rubbish bin.
- Give fluids to people who have a fever and/or diarrhoea. Paracetamol can be used to bring down high fevers.
After
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Talk to your family about how you can stay prepared – pandemics often come in waves.
Wildfires
A wildfire is an unplanned fire that starts outdoors, such as on a gorse-covered hillside or in a forest. They become hazards when the fire threatens nearby people or property. It is important to know what to do.
For more information, see the New Zealand Fire Service website: www3.fire.org.nz.
Before
- Make sure that garden hoses are connected to taps and reach all areas of your property.
- Keep your driveway clear so that fire appliances can reach your house.
- Make sure your property is easy to find from the road.
- Plan and practise how you will evacuate.
- Know at least two suitable exit routes from your neighbourhood.
- Make sure you have emergency survival items at home as well as a getaway bag if you have to leave in a hurry.
During
- Dial 111.
- Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
- If you have to evacuate:
- close all doors and windows
- leave outside doors unlocked so that fire-fighters can get in easily if they have to
- leave a light on in each room to help improve the visibility for fire-fighters if it is smoky.
- If caught in the open, move to an area with low fuel, such as a clearing, lake or previously burnt ground.
- Don't try to outrun the fire – move across the front of the fire to the flanks (sides).
- Move downhill – the most intense fire will be at the top of hills.
- Don't try to run through the flames unless you can clearly see behind them.
- Try to get in or behind something to avoid the radiant heat.
- Stay low and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
After
- Do not go sightseeing.
- Beware of hotspots as they can flare up again.