“Prepare (& Survive)” by Stephen Barnett. Published by Bateman Books. Price $29.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman
Emergency events seem to frequently on the news nowadays as happened, happening or predicted to happen. Think in terms of earthquakes, floods, tropical cyclones bearing down on New Zealand, tsunamis, volcanoes erupting, wildfires and one or two other scenarios to boot. Think in terms of the Great Alpine Fault which seems to undergo a massive jolt and shudder every 300 years and that New Zealand is expected to experience a super big jolt. Or that Taupo may repeat its giant eruption of 1800 years ago. Auckland’s Rangitoto Island erupted just 600 years ago.
Although one suspects that governments might be prone at times to play on the fear factor, the reality is that New Zealand has had some devastating reminders of the realities. The Christchurch earthquakes, Cyclone Gabrielle and the recent Motueka/Tasman flood spring to mind.
Such is the usual cyclic character that these events will happen again sometime, perhaps soon.
This 200 page book is presented in a rugged but striking way and could prove a big boon in an emergency as to coping and particularly the section on emergency information and contacts at the end. But before that is invaluable information on coping without power, gas, drinking water, flushing toilets and phones for days and who knows even weeks.
It’s a well presented book that should be in a handy position in every home. Top value and could be a life saver in an emergency. Go get one and tuck it away in a handy place – just in case.
Who knows?…be ready…sounds handy
Being ready means appreciating how quickly events can happen. I’ve studied earthquakes and saw mention of the Great Alpine Fault. There were major quakes in New Zealand in 1848 then just seven years to 1855, then the 1929 Murchison quake and 1931 Napier quake.
The Great Alpine Fault I think is estimated to make a major movement every 300 years?