Next72Hours - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

09/12/2025

Disappointingly, recent wildfire incidents within the Canterbury area have highlighted too many people are still ignoring basic fire safety advice.

No excuses:
⚠ Before you light a fire check www.checkitsalright.nz and follow the advice provided.
⚠ If conditions are, or are forecasted to be windy or very hot don’t light fires.
⚠ Always have someone monitoring the fire.
⚠ When finished with your fire use water to fully extinguish, don’t leave the fire to smoulder.
⚠ Keep an eye on previously lit fires – a fire you lit remains your responsibility.

Anyone lighting a fire has a duty of care to ensure it does not get out of control or spread. This includes not leaving a substance to smoulder in a way that increases the likelihood of starting a fire. Failure to meet these obligations can be an offence under the Fire and Emergency NZ Act 2017 which may carry significant penalties including imprisonment and fines up to $300,000.

Just because you’ve ignored safe practices in the past without consequence, doesn’t make it safe. Fire is a powerful tool, but there can be no room for complacency.

09/12/2025

Don't leave the prep too late!
Go to https://www.fireandemergency.nz/outdoor-and-rural-fire-safety/protect-your-home-from-outdoor-fires/

08/12/2025

Looking for a great Water filter for the trail or emergency preparedness, then we have the Puribag Water range in stock. These are super products and work well.

Puribag Micro Filter Benefits 💧

▪️ Ultra-Compact & Lightweight
Small enough to slip in your pocket or clip onto a backpack — perfect for travel, hiking, or emergencies.

▪️Multiple Use Options
Use directly as a straw to drink from streams, lakes, or bottles.
Connect to most 28mm plastic bottles.
Attach to the Puribag for extended purification.

▪️ Durable & Long-Lasting
Designed to filter up to 5,000 litres (depending on water quality), giving you reliable performance over time.

▪️No Chemicals, Power, or Batteries
A simple, mechanical filtration system you can count on in any environment.

08/12/2025

Another good deliver if the High Energy Bars, up to 20 year shelf life of delicious goodness, ready to eat from the bag in times of disasters, civil defence emergencies and also just as well suited for a snack on the trail. This customer has chosen all Peanut this time, we also have them in Shortbreard / Plain and Chocolate as well. Keep safe out there and keep prepared. :)

08/12/2025

Tsunami warnings were issued for three prefectures in northeast Japan after the powerful quake shook the region.

Full story ⬇

06/12/2025

Mōrena Canterbury, tomorrow we have some incoming gales for the Canterbury High Country -

Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Period: 16hrs from noon Sun, 7 Dec - 4am Mon, 8 Dec
Area: The Canterbury High Country
Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Further preparedness advice is available at https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

06/12/2025

** Biotoxin warning for Bay of Plenty **

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from Bay of Plenty coast from Maketu Beach to Waihi Beach due to the presence of toxins.

Routine tests on P**i from the location have shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin over the safe limit.

Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, p**i, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes), Cook’s turban.

Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.

We are monitoring an algal bloom in the region, which is spreading. This type of algae produces a dangerous toxin and when shellfish filter-feed, these toxins can accumulate in their gut and flesh. Generally, the more algae there are in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get.

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:
• numbness and a tingling/prickly feeling around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• dizziness and headache
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

Further info 👉 https://bit.ly/4iHAI6X

03/12/2025

If you are one of the 5.5 million Australians living with a disability, you are potentially more vulnerable to disaster risk. Use this guide and start your emergency planning now.

03/12/2025

The council said its staff was assessing damage and would keep people updated as more information came to hand.

Full story ⬇️