On this page

In the event of an emergency, ordinary systems and services are often disrupted and unhealthy conditions can develop. Be prepared and know what to do so you can protect yourself and your family from illness and disease

This section includes information for before, during and after an emergency.

The most likely causes of civil emergency in New Zealand are:

  • floods
  • earthquakes
  • storms (cyclones, tornadoes)
  • forest fires
  • volcanic eruptions
  • tsunamis (tidal waves).

In this section

  • Preparing for an emergency

    Check through the following information now and work towards being ready if a disaster happens.

  • During an emergency

    Find out what you can do during an emergency to keep yourself and your whānau healthy.

  • After an emergency

    It may take time to get everything back to normal after an emergency.

  • Keeping safe from volcanic ash

    Volcanic ash and gas can cause eye, skin and breathing problems, both near to the eruption and hundreds of kilometres away.

  • Floods and health

    Floodwaters can carry bugs that cause disease from the ground surface, septic tanks and sewerage systems.

  • Flood factsheets

    Factsheets and information on managing after a flood available in English, Braille, Cook Islands Maori, Fijian, Samoan, Tongan and large print.

For further information

Councils, district health boards, civil defence groups

  • Check your local and regional councils’ websites, or visit their offices.
  • Also check your local district health board and civil defence group websites.