Emergency Management

AF8 - Kauraka e Mataku, kia Takatū! Don't be scared, be prepared!

Emergency Management Otago

Queenstown Lakes District is a breath-taking destination nestled on the shores of Lakes Wakatipu and Wānaka and surrounded by majestic mountains, making it one of the most picturesque places in the world. Known as the adventure capital of Aotearoa, our district offers an exhilarating array of outdoor activities all year round.

Queenstown Lakes District can experience flooding, storms, earthquakes, snow, infrastructure failure, space weather and lake seiche.

In an emergency, knowledge is key and working together is crucial.

That’s why Emergency Management Otago has launched ‘Otago Gets Ready', a proven two-way communication tool that can send Otago residents real-time localised email and/or text alerts during emergencies and help people prepare to be part of a coordinated community response.

Do you have skills, resources or aid you can offer others in an emergency like first aid training, a 4WD, generator or language skills?

Do you have whānau who may need extra assistance in an emergency?

Help yourself and others by signing up to Gets Ready now!

Know your hazards

We can't predict natural disasters but we can prepare for them!

Otago is a place where we all live with some kind of natural hazard risk. It's a good idea to understand what natural hazards could affect the area you live, work or play in and how you can reduce the risk of damage to your property and plan for disruption to your normal way of living.

Emergency Management Otago What would you do?

Create an emergency plan

A household emergency plan will help protect what matters most - you, your loved ones and your pets. It includes knowing the best way to leave your home in an emergency, where to meet and how to contact one another if separated.

Household Emergency Plan Tailor your plan

Emergency supplies

You probably have most of the things you need already. You don’t need to have them all in one place, but you might have to find them in a hurry and/or in the dark.

Supplies you need

Stay informed

If the power goes out, a solar or battery-powered radio (or your car radio) can keep you up to date with the latest news.

Useful Stuff

Keep connected

Your neighbours may be the first people able to help you in an emergency. When you get to know your neighbours, you’re more likely to look out for each other during and after an emergency event.

You may also meet people in your neighbourhood who may need extra help in an emergency such as elderly, those with disabilities, people living alone, or people with English as a second language.

Share contact details with your neighbours so you can contact each other if an emergency occurs. Tell your neighbours about your emergency plan and ask about their plans. Create a network of people who will let each other know that an alert or warning has been issued.

Being Involved

AF8 - Alpine Fault Magnitude 8

While we can’t predict earthquakes, scientific research indicates there's a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and there's a four out of five chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event.

Geological evidence also shows that the Alpine Fault has a remarkably regular history of producing large earthquakes. Over the last 8000 years, the Alpine Fault has ruptured 27 times, on average that’s every 300 years. The last significant quake on this fault was in 1717. The next severe earthquake one is likely to occur within the lifetime of most of us, or our children. Be prepared!