Getting to know your neighbours could be the best emergency preparation plan you ever make.

Auckland Civil Defence says families, friends, colleagues, clubs and churches will play a crucial role if an emergency strikes the region.

But it said getting a knock on the door from a neighbour is still as important as ever during a natural disaster.

Civil Defence resilience manager Ani Brunet said many of us could get to know our neighbours a bit better than we currently do.

"Everyday life is better when we are more connected and involved in our communities and it's actually the same things that then make a difference if something goes wrong."

She during many Civil Defence situations, the safest thing to do is stay at home.

Auckland Civil Defence no longer formally recognises the meeting places set up by community response group during Civil Defence situations.

Brunet said the agency will still provide meeting places with help if an emergency strikes.

"If a community wants to and needs to gather some of thee we will know about beforehand and some of these we won't."