Let’s talk Grab Bags—do you have one? Do you know what should be in it? In Aotearoa, where the earth likes to shake things up and the weather loves to keep us on our toes, being prepared can make all the difference.
Think of your Grab Bag as your "Survival Swag"—a trusty sidekick packed with essentials to keep you and your whānau safe for at least 72 hours.
With your Grab Bag ready, you'll be set to tackle anything life throws at you. Remember, in times of chaos, preparation turns panic into calm.
Make Antenno a key part of your emergency preparedness plan. Stay informed with real-time alerts and local updates to keep your family safe during emergencies. Download the free Antenno app on Google Play or the Apple Store today.
Kia takatū, kia mataara —be prepared, stay alert!
Think you’re a preparedness pro?
Test your emergency know-how with our quick quiz and you could be in to win a “Survive It” bag packed with essentials. Ready, set, quiz—because when it comes to emergencies, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
When disaster hits, having a Grab Bag ready means no last-minute scrambling. What should your bag include? Water is a must, non-perishable snacks are essential, and if possible don’t forget an emergency toilet setup.
For kids and pets, pack comfort items like favourite snacks, toys, and cuddly companions. Each family member should have their own Grab Bag, complete with walking shoes, warm clothes, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, water purifying tablets and all the must-have items.
Ensure everyone knows exactly where these bags are and how to access them quickly.
Ready, Set, Check: Your preparedness pit stop
Maintain your Grab Bag with regular check-ups, NEMA recommends twice a year - consider it your “Preparedness Pit Stop.” Food can expire, kids grow and needs change. A good routine is to update your grab bag during daylight savings, alongside checking your smoke alarms.
This ensures you’re always ready to grab and go. Remember to check that your bag includes essentials like a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, and any essential medications.
NEMA Knows: Get Ready with your Grab Bag essentials
NEMA’sGet Ready page sums up what you need perfectly. Each Grab Bag should include walking shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat, a hat, water, snacks (don’t forget about babies and pets!), hand sanitiser, a portable phone charger or power bank, cash, and copies of important documents and photo ID.
Keep any medications you might need, and ensure your first aid kit, mask or face covering, torch, radio, and batteries are easy to grab. Special dietary needs? Make sure your Grab Bag includes suitable food. For more tips, check out the NEMA website
Everyday heroes: Household items that can save the day
Some everyday household items can be total game-changers in an emergency. A small mirror can reflect sunlight to signal for help, while aluminium foil can be used for cooking or signalling.
Plastic bags are waterproofing champs and can double as makeshift ponchos. Baking soda is great for small grease fires, and sanitary pads can serve as bandages or shoe padding. Crayons can be used as emergency candles, and toothpaste can soothe bug bites.
Not just for emergencies, but for everyday adventures
Grab Bags aren’t just for evacuations; they’re perfect for spontaneous adventures too. Whether you’re exploring our stunning district or spending a day by the river, a well-packed Grab Bag can turn any outing into a breeze.
Imagine a day of fishing without the right snacks or sunscreen—disaster! Include essentials like a whistle, a small mirror, snacks, water, a first aid kit, and sunblock to make your adventure safe and enjoyable.
You can keep a car bag handy for impromptu trips and always refill it after use. In summer, a day trip bag for spontaneous beach or river outings can turn out to be very helpful.
This plan will guide the focus and priorities for emergency management in our community. By completing a quick survey, you can help shape our region's emergency management goals and priorities.
They want to understand what matters most to you and your whānau before, during and after an emergency. The survey closes at 10 am on Monday, 23 September 2024