Recent snow and heavy rain are reminders the most commonly occurring emergency hazards in Otago are produced by the weather, the Otago Civil Defence Group says.
Residents needed to be prepared and remember one of the key messages in an emergency - listen to the local radio station - Otago Civil Defence Group public information manager Peter Taylor said.
"It is the first thing people should do."
Radio stations regularly broadcast messages from civil defence, the police and roading authorities to keep people up to date on conditions and dangers in an emergency or major weather event.
Station frequencies were printed in the middle of the phone book, on the last page of the yellow section, so people knew what stations to tune into, he said.
It was important that people also did a few simple things to better prepare themselves and their families for any emergency which could be caused by severe storms or flooding, he said.
"The steps people take in advance can make a big difference in terms of being able to cope when any natural hazard strikes, causing an emergency."
Flooding and storms could cause road closures, damage property and sewerage systems and disrupt power supplies, drinking water and telephones.
People should plan ahead and, at the very least, have available an emergency survival kit with food, water, a radio and batteries and stand-by cooking appliance and a getaway kit with blankets, warm clothing and medication, he said.
"People may be by themselves for several days during a disaster, so being well prepared is everyone's responsibility and will help them get through the emergency.''
The Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has prepared a booklet, Surviving an Emergency in Otago, with information on planning for snowstorms and other emergency hazards.
