Your community is your best resource in an emergency

When a disaster hits, emergency services can become overstretched very quickly. That's why you should find out the risks that could affect your home and start connecting with your community before an emergency happens, said Wellington Region Emergency Management Office's Regional Manager, Dan Neely. 

"It's really important that you know your local hazards, because knowledge is power," said Neely. 

Neely said if you think about your own street, you probably have a tradesperson or a nurse, or any range of people that have skills. They might have some tools, or a good first aid kit.  

There will also be people who need more assistance. For example, an older person who might be on their own. 

Dan Neely’s tips for preparing yourself and your community for emergencies 

 

Know your local hazards

Visit your local council's website, check your region’s emergency management group's resources, or explore the Natural Hazards Commission's portal to understand specific risks to your home and area.

 

Connect with neighbours before disaster strikes

• Start by simply saying hello to people on your street.  
• Organise a local barbecue, street party, or create an online neighbourhood group chat. 
• Identify skills and resources in your community: Your street likely has people with valuable skills, tools or resources: Think, who has a chainsaw for clearing fallen trees? Who is a good listener and will check in on people to make sure they’re ok? Who has got a barbecue, and can we share it to cook food when the power is out? 

 

Remember that everyone brings value

Communities function best when people recognise both needs and resources—some neighbours might need extra help while others can offer specific skills or tools. 

 

Plan community gathering points 

Know where your community might gather after an emergency—whether it's a designated community emergency hub, local marae, school, faith-based organisation, or community centre. 

 

Get to know the natural flow of community response 

After an emergency, people typically check on their immediate family first, then look to neighbours, and gradually move into the streets to identify needs and match available help. 

 

Be ready to self-organise 

Communities naturally begin to assess needs and offer assistance. Being prepared to participate in this self-organisation will make response efforts more effective. 

 

Remember you're an emergency manager too 

Everyone has problem-solving capabilities that contribute to community resilience during emergencies. By knowing your local hazards and getting to know your community, you'll be better prepared when an emergency happens. In a disaster scenario, the most immediate and effective help often comes from neighbours working together. 

 

Further information 

Neighbourhood Support 

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)  

Local civil defence emergency management groups  

Natural Hazards Commission, learn about specific risks to your home and area