Rush on for survival kits | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Civil Defence staff have encouraged people to make a plan and prepare survival kits in the event of an emergency.

Some retailers and services Hawke's Bay Today spoke to said they had seen an increase in sales of emergency supplies after the events of the weekend.

Sales of survival items increased at The Warehouse in Napier, said store manager David Mann.

"We've had people buying all sorts from water to torches and batteries, things like buckets and toilet seats," he said.

"I think there's an increase in awareness when these sorts of things happen and I know Civil Defence and the Fire Service ask people to check these things around daylight savings as well."

New World Greenmeadows in Napier had a "big run" on batteries and bottled water, according to grocery manager Darrell Eggers.

"I think people learnt from others' situations down there," he said.

Civil Defence senior emergency management officer for Hawke's Bay Paul Hawke said staff had received a few enquiries and its website had received an increase in hits over the weekend.

"It is a timely reminder for people to ask, do you know what to do?," he said.

Mr Hawke said it was important to think about an emergency plan.

"Do you have all your important documents in one place? What do you do with your pets? We had one inquiry about livestock," he said. "People need to extend their plan out to these things."

Information on creating a plan can be found on the Civil Defence website and pamphlets are available in most public centres or in the back of the phone book.

St John Ambulance assistant administrator Dianne Oliver said the Hastings centre had received inquiries about first aid kits and training courses.

"We also have a comprehensive selection of kits and replacement supplies," Mrs Oliver said.

St John was happy to send out a schedule for first aid classes.

For more information see the back of the phone book or visit www.getthru.govt.nz