Kia Takatu Tō Kura Get Your School Ready

Schools are not just places for learning, they are often places where the community can come together and support each other. When emergencies happen, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place. 

Preparing schools for emergencies is critical for keeping our children safe and ensuring a quick recovery for our communities.

Understand your risks 

Every school is different and so are the risks they face. It’s important to identify potential hazards specific to your school and the surrounding area. Whether it’s flooding, storms or tsunami, being aware of these risks is the first step in preparing for them.  

Use the Hazard Viewer to learn about local hazards that may affect your school. 

Create an emergency response plan 

Every Auckland school should have an Emergency Response Plan. This plan outlines what to do in case of an emergency, including evacuation procedures, communication strategies, and how to care for students until help arrives. Make sure everyone at the school knows the plan and their role in it.  

For more information on how to develop your school’s emergency response plan, visit the education.govt.nz website.

Involve the whole community 

Engaging parents, caregivers, and local organisations can strengthen your school's emergency preparedness. Hold community meetings to share your emergency plan, discuss concerns, and gather input. Together, you can find resources and support networks that can help in times of need. 

Practise makes perfect 

Conduct regular drills to ensure that both staff and students are familiar with emergency procedures. Practise helps everyone feel more confident and ready to act when it matters most. 

Resources for schools

There are a number of resources to assist schools, teachers and tamariki in preparing for emergencies: