30 May, 2016

Successful tsunami walk in Orewa

More than 3,000 students and public took part in the Orewa Tsunami walk last week (Wednesday 25 May). Organised by Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) team, the walk was held to increase community preparedness in Orewa and raise awareness.

“It was fantastic to see so many people taking part. I’d like to say a big thank you to all those who helped make this happen,” says Chair of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee, Councillor Sharon Stewart.

“We definitely raised awareness of the issue with so many people walking their evacuation route. I hope this encourages others who perhaps couldn’t take part on the day to identify and walk their nearest tsunami evacuation route,” says

Councillor Stewart.

Schools taking part in the drill included Orewa College, Orewa Primary and Orewa North Primary. Media students from Orewa College took over Auckland Civil Defence’s social media channels. Their live stream on Facebook –facebook.com/aklcdem – attracted more than 2,800 views in 24 hours.

“We organised this walk to help increase tsunami preparedness in the Orewa community. To support this aim the team also installed evacuation signage in Orewa and blue lines indicating tsunami evacuation safe zones. The community got really behind this event” says, Head of Emergency Management Operations, Aaron Davis.

The key partners were Orewa Rotary and the CHIP IN foundation, local Police and Fire and Rescue teams, Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, Orewa Business Association and Greater Orewa Community Response Group.

The mass walk also attracted scientific interest and evaluators from GNS Science and universities around New Zealand monitored the walk and interviewed participants.

The main walk started at Orewa College at 9.30am, with the first walkers arriving at Orewa Primary School just before 10am.

For more information on Auckland Civil Defence visit aucklandcivildefence.co.nzor for easy tips on how to be more prepared for emergencies see getthru.govt.nz

Top tips for tsunami evacuation:

1. Be prepared - identify and practice walking your quickest evacuation route in advance

2. Evacuate if:

o You feel an earthquake that’s long (minute or more) or strong (hard to stand up in)

o You see strange sea behaviour(e.g. unusual fall or rise in sea level) or hear strange noises (e.g. roaring like a jet plane)

3. Walk or cycle your nearest evacuation route

4. Drive only if you need to – so emergency services and vulnerable people can use roads

5. Stay away until the official all-clear has been given

ENDS

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