The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) plans to erect a giant inflatable poo to raise awareness about what Wellingtonians should do if they can't use the loo during an emergency.
The Wellington region is crossed by many active faults, and WREMO said a large earthquake on the Wellington fault will see inconsiderable damage and lengthy wastewater outages.
Lifeline utilities coordinator for the Wellington Region Emergency Management group Richard Mowll warns people could face being without a flushable toilet for at least 30 days.
"The 2011 Christchurch earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of sewerage systems to disruption during an earthquake. It showed how vital it is that we plan for this and that communities are prepared to manage their own wee and poo following a large earthquake."
Mowll said an emergency sanitation plan has been developed by the Wellington region's nine councils and other groups, so the region's residents can be prepared to manage their own waste.
"Either making a long-drop or a two-bucket toilet system – one for wee and one for poo. The plan also includes an option for those with accessibility needs or limited mobility."
The giant inflatable poo, named Poo-nelope, is expected to be out and about in the Wellington region to educate communities on how they can make an emergency toilet.
"We want to reach as many people as possible with this campaign. Emergency sanitation is a niche subject and not something many people think of as part of their emergency preparedness," said community resilience and recovery manager for WREMO Dan Neely.
The campaign will run until the end of May.
