Lifeline utilities are organisations and companies that provide essential utility services to your home and community. These are typically categorised as:
Lifeline utilities are mainly provided and managed by commercial organisations; a few are managed by Council or the Government.
The risk of lifeline utility disruptions can be significant. They can cause severe disruption to households and businesses and may result in evacuations, business closures, economic loss and clean-up costs, in addition to potential health hazards and environmental impacts, depending on the nature of disruption. Secondary hazards could include fire.
The failure of a lifeline utility can be local or may originate from outside the region. It can be a result of natural or technological hazards, human error, equipment failure, or other damage. Each individual utility company undertakes comprehensive asset management planning to reduce the possibility of failure and ensure that services are re-established as soon as possible if failure does occur.
What do I need to do to be ready?
What would you do if the power or gas was out for days? How will you see, cook, and keep warm?
Imagine having no water for three days or more. How would you wash, cook, and clean? What would you drink?
Talk to your family about how you will get in touch and where you will meet up in an emergency if the phone lines and/or internet are down.
Auckland is home to New Zealand's largest international airport and has many roads and motorways. It is also a maritime hub, with international ports, ferries and marinas. If you can't take your normal route home, how will you get there? Who will you go with? Where will you meet up if your street is a no-go zone?