Knowing what to do in the event of a disaster can help to keep you and your family safe.

Most smart phones will automatically receive Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA) in an emergency or natural disaster.  You can also download the Red Cross Hazard App to your mobile phone to receive emergency alerts, warnings and information from relevant responding agencies. To find out about what is happening and what to do, tune into the local radio station for updates, or check BOP Civil Defence website and social media pages. 

Earthquakes  

Earthquakes are unsettling and the 2023 swarm that was recently experienced by Kawerau residents was naturally stressful and scary. In the first instance, in an earthquake - please: DROP, COVER, HOLD to protect yourself and your family, from injury. 

What to do if you've felt a strong earthquake?

If there was a major quake; if you do not need to evacuate- please stay off the roads.

If you are safe at home, stay home.

What do we mean by ‘safe at home?’

• You can and should stay home after a quake if you are not near the coast/in a tsunami evacuation zone
• You can and should stay home after a quake if your home has not had significant damage
• You can and should stay home after a quake if everyone in your whānau is ok (no urgent medical/safety needs)

If you are not safe at home, head to the nearest safe place.

If you need urgent help, call 111.

After a major quake or other event, council and civil defence teams will update people on social media, radio, and any other means to get key information out.

For more information about natural disasters and earthquakes please visit these pages and websites:  

• Tune in to Radio 1XX
• Check the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Facebook page 
• Check out the Get Ready Get Through website  for ways to plan, prepare and what to do 
• Check out GNS Science Te Pū Ao website for information. 

• Check here for information from GNS Science 
• The Civil Defence Local Controllers have issued a statement about the earthquake swarm that happened in the evening of June 5 2018. 

Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group

The Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group brings together all the local councils, the Regional Council, emergency services, District Health Boards and other organisations to work together towards its vision:

"A resilient Bay of Plenty Region"

The Kawerau District Council is a member of the Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group. The Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Group website has information about potential hazards in our region, "Be Prepared" advice, Emergency Status alerts for the region, latest news etc.

If a disaster happened now, would you be ready?

Due to its location and environment, New Zealand faces many potential disasters. In some cases, such as a weather-related or volcanic disaster, there may be time for a warning. But an earthquake or a tsunami close to land could strike without warning. All disasters have the potential to cause disruption, damage property, and take lives. So it's vital that you prepare now.

The Get Ready, Get Thru website will show you how to get ready, so you'll get through.

The Disaster Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities (PDF, 1 MB) will assist those who have physical, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities in preparing for a disaster.

Downloads

Get Ready Get Thru Brochure - A brochure containing all the information you need to get ready so you can get through.

• Get Thru Brochure - (DOC, 400 KB)

Household Emergency Checklist and Plan - This Household Emergency Checklist and Plan will help you get everything ready, and have a plan for your household so you get through.

• Household Emergency Checklist and Plan - (PDF, 117 KB)