Preparation and participation makes the Wolfes winners

22 March 2012

Tauranga’s Ross Wolfe is the proud winner of two ski jackets, after taking part in the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s preparedness research in February.

Chair of the Bay of Plenty Joint Committee for Emergency Management, John Forbes presented the jackets, and said more than 330 surveys were returned from people in all areas of the Bay, giving a good picture of how prepared people were for a major event.

“We’re really pleased to be presenting these two great jackets to Ross today, because his household’s involvement in this research project is helping us to better understand our community’s needs,” Mr Forbes said.

“We now have a much better idea of how prepared people in each district and city are for an emergency, what people think the big issues are, and what they expect of their local civil defence staff and volunteers.

“More importantly, we now have a better idea of what the barriers are to people being fully prepared, such as complacency, the financial costs and lack of motivation.

“We will now use this information to help local people ‘Get Ready Get Thru’ in an emergency.”

Mr Forbes said the information collected though the survey will now be used to prepare public education plans and create tools to increase awareness and encourage participation in emergency preparedness activities across the Bay.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in this research project, and congratulate Ross on the win,” he said.

The two RPM ski jackets were kindly donated by PowerCo, a member of the Bay of Plenty Lifelines Group. In addition, five survey responses were also drawn out of the prize barrel, and those respondents will receive prizes such as a fuel voucher and wind-up torch radios shortly.

ENDS

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