The Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002 requires network utility service companies who provide essential services to function to the fullest extent possible during and after an emergency. These utility companies must have continuity of service plans should a disaster strike.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has produced two best practice guidelines that outline the steps utilities need to take to plan for an emergency. These guidelines emphasise that plans can only be achieved by cooperative planning between utilities, local government and emergency services.
