Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.
Ladies, you might want to share this with the men in your family to avoid getting an undesirable and badly wrapped present this Christmas.
Buying your Christmas presents at a petrol station or dairy on Christmas morning really isn't the done thing - apparently not everyone wants a funnel, box of biscuits or a car care kit. Don't do it.
Get started early, no not on Christmas Eve, yesterday was already too late.
First thing in the morning is the best time to Christmas shop, and I mean first thing, teenagers are still in bed.
It's not the thought that counts, it's how MUCH thought that counts.
Cash is a GREAT present for teenagers - and me.
If you must give gift vouchers make sure they are from a shop the recipient actually shops in and try and avoid those with an expiry date.
Wrapping and cards are important, you and I know it's just paper but for some reason they are important.
Before you start browsing in a shop check that it does gift wrapping and accept the service - wait if necessary. If the shop doesn't do gift wrapping move on to the next. Unless you are an expert present wrapper - Yeah Right!
Even if every present you buy is gift wrapped, buy plenty of wrapping paper and sellotape. You are going to need it because dairy's and petrol stations don't gift wrap and being a bloke you'll probably ignore number 1.
Guys ignore the above at your peril and have a wonderful Christmas.
It’s a chance for us to prepare for, and learn more about our tsunami risk
www.happens.nz has tips for families to be prepared, including advice on how to evacuate, assemble getaway bags, and develop personal, family and workplace emergency plans.
Download and share these posters to help people find out more about tsunamis.
What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a series of fast travelling waves caused by a large disturbance in the sea or on the ocean floor, such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption or meteorite. The waves can be an hour apart, and can travel many thousands of kilometres across the oceans at great speeds of up to 800 kilometres per hour.
A tsunami may go unnoticed as it crosses deep oceans, but it loses speed and gains height when it reaches shallow water. Large waves up to 15 metres or more in height can come crashing onto the land.
Even small tsunami waves can be dangerous, causing unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities.
In the last 200 years, there have been at least 3 tsunami that were more than 10 metres high at the New Zealand coast. Māori mythology also speaks of large tsunami. Some were caused by distant earthquakes, some by underwater quakes not far off the coast.
Know the warning signs
There are three ‘types’ of tsunami – local, regional and distant. For a local source tsunami which could arrive in minutes, there won’t be time for an official warning. It is important to recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.
Move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can if you are at the coast and experience any of the following:
Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more,
See a sudden rise or fall in sea level,
Hear loud and unusual noises from the sea,
With regional and distant tsunami, we will have more time and you will likely receive official and unofficial warnings. If you get a warning from friends and family, or from civil defence and emergency management services by text, sirens, radio, website, or other means, follow their instructions, and move to higher ground or as far inland as you can.
Make a plan
Early warning saves lives. Know what to do and where to go. Take some time today to make a plan with your family.
During a tsunami warning, some houses, streets and neighbourhoods may not be safe to stay in and you may have to leave home in a hurry. If your street was evacuated where would you go? What would you take? What about pets? Do you have neighbours who might need your help?
www.happens.nz has tips for families to be prepared, including advice on how to evacuate, assemble getaway bags, and make plans.
Practise evacuating to a safe zone
You can hold your own tsunami drill at work. Contact your local council to find out the safe zones in your region and practise getting there as quickly as you can by walking. You could also hold an earthquake drill first, to make sure everyone knows the right action to take during an earthquake – drop, cover and hold – before you practise evacuating.
All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk of tsunami. Early warning saves lives. Know what to do and where to go.
When a Tsuname does hit New Zealand don't be surprised, it has happened before.
Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.