Household Emergency Preparedness Improves But More Work to Be Done

Ruapehu residents are better prepared to look after themselves in the event of a civil defence emergency.

Results from the 2012 General Social Survey and the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management’s 2013 Annual Preparedness Survey both show an increase in the number of households that felt they were prepared for a civil defence emergency.

Ruapehu District Council Emergency Management Officer, Nick Watson, said it was very pleasing that the survey results indicate that people are better equipped to look after themselves in the event of a major civil defence emergency.

“The civil defence preparedness ‘golden rule’ for all households is that they should have an emergency plan and be prepared to be self-sufficient with emergency food and water for three days,” he said.

“The 2012 General Social Survey results show a 7.8% increase over four years in the number of households in the Manawatu-Wanganui region, which Ruapehu is part of, are following this ‘golden rule’.”

“The Ministry’s own 2013 survey across the Horizons Regional Council zone, which also encompasses Ruapehu, found that 31% of households said that they are prepared for a civil defence emergency.”

Mr Watson said that while the increasing level of preparedness is encouraging many households could be better prepared.

“The diesel contamination of the Raetihi water supply last year which saw the township without potable reticulated (tap) water for two weeks is a good example of how emergencies can strike in any form and at any time.

“This event required a major multi-agency civil defence response effort including the house-to-house delivery of emergency drinking water supplies,” he said.

“Council is hoping that the Raetihi community who were supplied with drinking water containers as part of the response has put them to good use as part of their three day self-sufficiency preparation.”

“Everyone reading this should ask themselves if a major earthquake, volcanic eruption or other disaster struck right now how prepared would my family be to find each other and survive for three days.”

Mr Watson noted that there was plenty of easily obtainable advice on putting together a household emergency plan and three day survival kit

“People can visit www.getthru.govt.nz for advice and downloadable information or could call me directly via their nearest Ruapehu District Council office.”

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