[As published in May/June BayBuzz magazine.]

In the second half of February, who among us promised that NOW, after THAT, we’d finally put together the emergency kit? And who among us has? Here’s your latest reminder to get the essentials packed up and put somewhere accessible for if (when) disaster strikes again. Civil Defence NZ recommends the following contents for your household emergency preparation kit: 

• Water for three days or more — make sure you have at least nine litres of water for every person. This will be enough for drinking and basic hygiene. 

• Long-lasting food that doesn’t need cooking (unless you have a camping stove or gas barbecue) and food for babies and pets. 

• Toilet paper and large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet. 

• Work gloves and a properly-fitted P2 or N95 mask. 

• What we all learned during the Gabrielle days was that cash is king and radio still rules. 

Today is the day – get your kit sorted!