Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Many unprepared for natural disasters, survey shows

Updated at 4:04 pm on 4 March 2010

A survey of New Zealanders indicates that if a natural disaster occurred three-quarters would not have an emergency plan, while more than half would not have enough stored water.

However, the survey by Statistics New Zealand of 8000 people did indicate that more than 80% would have enough food to last three days.

With two tsunami warnings in the past six months, Civil Defence says emergency preparedness is a reality more New Zealanders need to think about.

Basic preparations include food and water for three days, and a household emergency plan.

The survey shows only one in seven New Zealanders meets all three requirements and one in four households has an emergency plan.

People who live in their own homes are more prepared than those who live in rented accommodation, it says.

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