Media Release

Civil Defence Website Now Easier to Use

www.hbemergency.govt.nz

Hawke’s Bay’s civil defence website is now easier for local people to use before and during a civil defence emergency.

An upgrade to www.hbemergency.govt.nz puts all civil defence emergency info for Hawke’s Bay in one place, whereas before every council has kept its own ‘civil defence’ pages for using during an emergency.

“During the holiday break, I recommend everyone with internet access takes a quick look at the new website and is familiar with it so when an emergency occurs in Hawke’s Bay, they can get the info they need quickly,” says Ian Macdonald, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller.

Mr Macdonald says the redesigned website acts as a portal which all Hawke’s Bay councils now have access to use so that staff can keep up the flow of new information. Individual council websites will take people to this one for emergency enquiries.

“All the councils have agreed to this system which is simpler for them and will make it much easier for their residents to get important information for their specific area and the wider region.”

The site now highlights the status of any emergency in the region and includes sections for updates, road, power and phone status, weather and river conditions, which civil defence centres are open, health requirements and school closures.

Residents can also find out about the hazard risks in their own area, as the hazards database is a part of the new site.

The HBCDEM website also makes smart use of nationally agreed information on emergency preparation from the Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management.

“Hawke’s Bay people now get the same, consistent and reliable information as all other parts of New Zealand about preparing for an emergency. I would encourage people to use the website during the holidays to check that they are nicely sorted whether travelling or staying at home.”

For more information on getting ready to get through a civil defence emergency visit www.hbemergency.govt.nz or follow Hawke’s Bay Emergency on Facebook or Twitter.

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