NZers must be better prepared for disasters - minister

Civil Defence Minister John Carter has warned New Zealanders need to be better prepared for natural disasters, as our nearest neighbours are far away so aid and assistance could take a number of days to arrive.

"Last weekend, while authorities were preparing for a tsunami in the wake of the Chile earthquake, some New Zealanders were still not taking the situation seriously or heeding the warnings," Mr Carter said.

"There will be a period of time when households and communities might be isolated and without essential services. There may be massive infrastructure damage taking out roads, airports, rail tracks, power, telecommunications and water," he said.

"We are also geographically isolated from our nearest neighbours on whom we might call for help, so any international emergency response might take days."

About 44,000 people visited the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management's website www.civildefence.govt.nz on Sunday, on hearing a tsunami was heading towards New Zealand.

"But leaving it until the day of a disaster might be too late," Mr Carter said.

Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) figures released today found only 15 per cent of New Zealand households have the most basic provisions needed to survive for three days, in the advent of natural disaster.

While 87 per cent of houses had three days' supply of food, 41 per cent had three days' of water and only 26 per cent had a household emergency plan, the SNZ study said.

All three items together - food, water and a plan - were considered the basic preparations for natural disaster, SNZ manager Conal Smith said.

Only 11 per cent of households had made "better preparation", having a torch, portable radio and batteries, a first aid kit, as well as three days' food and water and a plan.

One quarter of households with heavy and tall furniture had it safely secured in case of an earthquake, while 73 per cent had secured their hot water cylinders.

The statistics came from the New Zealand general social survey, which gathered information from more than 8000 people between April 2008 and March 2009.

The head of the Earthquake Commission, Ian Simpson, said householders could do more to protect their houses and themselves in the advent of an earthquake.

"Simple things such as securing precious ornaments, pictures and mirrors can be done by most people and they could make a big difference to the amount of damage and distress caused by a quake," he says.

"Other things, such as securing chimneys, bolting houses to foundations and tying back tall furniture may require assistance, but they could prevent major damage, allowing people to stay in their homes and get on with their lives," Mr Simpson said.

He also advised people have insurance cover for natural disasters.

- NZPA