Last week, shoppers at New World supermarkets in Queenstown and Wanaka received ecofriendly bags carrying the Civil Defence mantra - "Get ready, get through".
Mr Winder said the bags carried a checklist of all the items required to survive for three days.
Five hundred recyclable bags were handed out in partnership with New World, which supported the campaign with in-store displays.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council also acknowledged the week by featuring a "Did you get it?" campaign on the front cover of the council newsletter, Scuttlebutt.
"What we are saying is our neighbours are experiencing earthquakes, major snowfalls and tsunamis.
"It's not unrealistic to say, at some point our number could be up. Is our community prepared?"
The message was timely given the 10-year anniversary of the district's major floods.
"We live in an alpine environment. It is not inconceivable that in a heavy rain event we could, for instance, lose road access into the region.
"Potentially, we may not be able to get basic supplies for several days into the area.
"That's when it will really pay to have a few extra loaves and some milk in the freezer, a bag of rice and some canned food tucked away," Mr Winder said.
Rainfall and the potential subsequent slips could also have an effect on something as basic as power supply.
Mr Winder said residents needed to ensure they had a battery radio, a torch and a means of cooking food should that situation arise.
"These are all basic essentials for every home in our district," Mr Winder said.
It was also the time of year when Mr Winder visited retailers in the flood zones of Queenstown and Wanaka.
"It's a practical reminder that it's time to dust off flood plans, clean out grease traps and consider contingencies for stock and plant removal," he said.
Another community initiative to mark the week included a collection of goods for Samoa from Queenstown hotels, co-ordinated by Tanoa Aspen Hotel manager Fiona Williams - Tanoa also has a hotel based in Apia.
They would be transported to Auckland free by New Zealand Van Lines.
