How to get rural ready
1.Animal and livestock plan
Planning ahead helps keep your family and animals safe. Just like people, animals need to be prepared for emergencies.
Make sure you have
- Food: Extra feed such as hay, silage, or pellets
- Water: Additional water beyond your household needs
- Medicines and animal health supplies
- Veterinary and medical records
- Animal first aid kit
Create a detailed emergency plan to keep you and your animals safe by using the Lifestyle Block Emergency Preparedness Handbook Manawatu-Whanganui
2.Identify your animals
Make sure all animals are correctly tagged and registered.
Clear identification increases the chances of being reunited with animals if they become displaced during an emergency.
3.Secure safe shelter
If you need to evacuate, plan ahead for where your animals will go and who will care for them.
Things to plan for
- Safe paddock or shelter: Identify secure locations for livestock or horses.
- Animal carer details: Keep the full name, address, and phone number of your animal carer in a waterproof container in your grab bag, and saved on household phones.
- Emergency kit locations: Let your carer and a trusted neighbour know where animal emergency kits are stored.
- Property access: Ensure carers know where spare keys are kept or have access if buildings are damaged.
- Post-emergency communication: Agree on how and when you will check in with your carer after an emergency.
Get started
Download and find more information on preparing for different types of animals and emergencies:
4.Build resilience and continuity
Rural households and businesses need plans that support long-term resilience, including caring for animals and land.
Risk Management Strategies include
- Setting aside reserves of money, feed, and livestock supplies
- Owning a generator sized for essential equipment and facilities
- Keeping insurance up to date
- Locating buildings and crops away from high-risk areas
- Planting drought-resistant crops and trees on erodible land
- Maintaining regular animal health checks
For more information about preparing for an emergency in rural settings, visit Ministry of Primary Industries.