Preparing for an Emergency for Marlborough Sounds Residents
Wherever you live in New Zealand, you and your family are vulnerable to the effects of a natural or man-made disaster and severe weather events. You could be on your own for days or even weeks.
If you live in the Marlborough Sounds you’re probably quite self-sufficient. So, stay that way by being prepared...and think about how you’d manage if:
- Your water supply is cut off by a slip
- Your septic tank is broken
- Your local town is inaccessible and the mail boat can’t reach you
- One or more family members are away and can’t get home.
- Your generator is damaged and/or you have limited fuel supplies
- You have visitors on your property…with limited food supplies
- Your house is too damaged to remain in safely
- You have dead or injured stock
- Communication is limited to VHF radio and/or limited AM/FM radio
Make a plan
Marlborough Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) has the resources to help you plan for an emergency. There’s no time like the present - do it now!
Involve your neighbours in developing your plan.
- The Marlborough Sounds are vulnerable in an earthquake or a tsunami. Have a look at the tsunami inundation zones on Smart Maps on the Marlborough District Council website to check your property risk in a tsunami
Go to Smart Maps - Check which radio stations you can receive (FM and AM). Marlborough CDEM broadcasts directly through Brian FM in an emergency (Blenheim 100.9 FM, Picton 105.9 FM and Havelock 100.1 FM).
- In an emergency, Marlborough CDEM can use marine radio channels 63 and 65 to provide information and advice.
- Know your GPS location and if possible identify the GPS coordinates for a helicopter landing place.
- Think about how you’ll let friends and family know that you are safe if communication is limited.
For more information: