Media Release: Friday 12 September

Get Ready for Get Ready Week

Helping people and businesses prepare for a civil emergency is the aim of Get Ready Week from September 21 to 27.

Due to its location and environment, New Zealand faces many potential disasters. In some cases, such as a weather-related or volcanic disaster, there may be time for a warning. But an earthquake or a tsunami close to land can strike without warning.

To raise awareness of potential hazards and the real need to be prepared, there will be displays and other activities throughout the country during Get Ready Week .

At Te Takere Horowhenua Culture and Community Centre in Levin, there will be a four-day exhibition featuring Civil Defence and Emergency Management, emergency services, social support services and other essential services. The exhibition will run from Wednesday 24 September and finish with an open day on the Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Horowhenua Emergency Management Officer Ross Brannigan says the Saturday open day will be anything but static and promises plenty of interaction, education and entertainment, including a "not-to-be-missed" natural hazards DVD that will play on repeat in Te Takere's open meeting room, a variety of information to read or take away, as well as emergency services equipment and vehicles on display.

Also, on Thursday 25 September at Te Takere there will be a free seminar on disaster recovery for business information and communications technology. Spark Digital solutions specialist Simon Kirkman and senior systems engineer Andy Bain will offer information and advice to help local businesses keep their ICT systems reliable and recoverable in the event of a disaster, safeguarding their business. To attend, please contact Horowhenua District Council's Economic Development Manager Shanon Grainger on 06 366 0999 or shanong@horowhenua.govt.nz

Ross Brannigan says all disasters have the potential to cause disruption, damage property and take lives.

"Everyone has a role to play by being better prepared and it is important that you prepare now," he said.

“In the first three days of a major disaster, emergency services will be stretched and unless it’s a life threatening event, no one will be going door-to-door to make sure you’re okay. That’s why it’s so important your family, business or school has a plan in place if a disaster hits."

For a full Household Emergency Checklist and information on how to get through in an emergency, visit www.getthru.govt.nz or pick up a Get Ready Get Thru Emergency Planning Guide from any Council service centre or Te Takere.

There is also a comprehensive website for children and schools - www.whatstheplanstan.govt.nz - that aims to improve awareness and understanding of potential hazards, and promote emergency preparedness in schools by providing teachers and pupils with the knowledge and skills to act in a safe manner when a disaster occurs.

Top 10 emergency survival items:

• Torch with spare batteries or self-charging torch

• Radio with spare batteries

• Water (at least three litres per person, per day for drinking)

• Food - canned or dried (non perishable), including formula, baby food and drinks for children and supplies for pets - and a can opener

• Primus or gas barbecue to cook on

• Water for washing

• Wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats and strong outdoor shoes

• First aid kit and essential medicines

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for an emergency toilet

ENDS

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