North Islanders are being warned to be prepared and pack an emergency grab bag as a cyclone approaches. 

Tracking currently predicts that Cyclone Vaianu will move south across the North Island on Sunday, making landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel. Auckland Emergency Management warns “the combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event”. 

Unlike emergency supplies, which are meant for sheltering in one place, a grab bag contains essentials you’ll need to take with you should you need to evacuate. 

If you’re frequently using the items that you would take with you in an emergency, it may be smart to compile a list so that you can hastily grab things around the house and then go if needed. 

Civil Defence recommends you pack enough items to last at least three days. Photo / Auckland Emergency Management 

What should you have in a grab bag or getaway kit? 

Civil Defence recommends you pack enough items to last at least three days. 

The first thing to consider in a cyclone is the likelihood of power outages. A torch, radio and spare batteries are essential. 

Civil Defence recommends not packing matches and candles, as they can tip over in a gust of wind and start a fire. 

A battery pack so you can charge your mobile phone will ensure you can contact people or emergency services, should the need arise. 

A first-aid kit is also essential. You can find a list of items for a first-aid kit here. 

• Cyclone Vaianu to make landfall between Auckland, Coromandel on Sunday, nearly 20 alerts issued

You might want to pin or tape a note to the outside of your first-aid kit, reminding you to take along prescription drugs if you have to evacuate. You’ll likely have special items that are essential to your or your family’s needs. This could include an inhaler, medicines or hearing aids. 

Civil Defence says it may also be useful to keep a basic first-aid manual with your kit. 

For families with young children, a nappy bag with all the essentials for your child is an additional need. Consider also packing Pamol and formula, as well as bottles. 

Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, toiletries and sun cream should be included. 

Keeping warm and dry is essential, so pack a blanket or a sleeping bag. A raincoat, walking shoes and a hat are also useful. 

It’s a good idea to have important documents, such as passports, birth and/or marriage certificates on hand in case you need to grab them and go. Also, have some cash on hand in case electronic banking services are not available. 

A potentially “life-threatening” category two cyclone is just days away, with forecasters warning North Island residents to prepare. Photo / NZME 

Milk powder, muesli bars, dried fruit, freeze-dried foods and dark chocolate are good go-tos for foods that are shelf-stable. Tinned items are useful, but can add weight to a pack. Don’t forget a can opener. 

Remember to pack food for your pets as well. Dog or cat food that comes in vacuum packs is easy to pack away. 

During flooding, water supplies may become contaminated, so having water on hand is a good idea. Civil Defence recommends that households have enough water for three days for drinking and basic hygiene. 

While packing an emergency pack is not always financially possible for some people, Civil Defence says that something is much better than nothing. 

A grab bag or getaway kit is a small backpack of essential items you can grab if you need to evacuate your home or workplace with little or no warning. Photo / WREMO 

Things to consider when preparing what you’ll need 

• Do you have enough food and water for your household? 
• How will you cook and store food without electricity? 
• Do you have enough water for everyone in your household? Does this include water to cook and wash with? 
• What about family members who need medication? Do you have enough? 
• Do you have a baby who may need extra supplies (e.g. nappies, formula)? 
• Do you have enough food and water for your pets?