Some emergency kits a recipe for disaster

Example of a homemade emergency survival kit.It could be the little box that saves your life, which is why authorities are warning Kiwis to be wary of pre-made emergency survival kits after our consumer watchdog found some lacking.

Consumer NZ released a report on 28th April 2017 saying that some pre-made survival kits on the market they tested were more of a “recipe for disaster” than life-savers.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin says while there are a couple of pre-made emergency kits worth considering, you’re generally better off building your own.

“We put together a grab bag with 3 days’ rations and all the key items you’d need to see you through for $150 – considerably less than you would pay for many of the commercial kits,” Ms Chetwin says.

“It’s also likely you could put together your own kit for less than what we paid as most households are likely to have some of the items, such as a spare backpack or water bottles.”

Example of a getaway kit if you need to leave home or work in a hurry.However, taking the first steps to emergency-preparedness is far more important than compiling the perfect getaway kit, Ms Chetwin said. Your emergency planning should cover where you will meet if you can’t get home and a backup plan if you can’t pick up the kids, as well as:

  • The name and contact details of someone who lives out of town that your family knows to contact in case the phones go down;
  • A list of family and friends who may require your assistance;
  • Plans for if you’re stuck at home, including 3 days’ worth of food and water;
  • Plans for how you’ll stay warm at night and cook food if there’s no power; and
  • Getaway kits if you need to leave in a hurry.

 

Source: Consumer NZ media release (28th April 2017).

Published on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017, under Uncategorised
Page last updated: 06/11/2023

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