Press Release

For immediate release

5 August 2008

1030

Auckland people rise to the top

People’s lives have been affected across the Auckland region following over a week of heavy rain and gale force winds which caused damage to roads and property.

Roads have been blocked due to slips and flooding causing motorists to either detour or change their travel plans.

In the North Shore and Waitakere there were 21 homes and over 50 residents evacuated.  A number of people evacuated from their homes in both areas were able to return home over the weekend.  However, a few still remain vacant while further engineering assessments are carried out to determine whether the properties are structurally sound.

The quick actions of our emergency services and Civil Defence officers have ensured a coordinated response and many agencies are now focused on the clean up.

The Auckland Region Emergency Management Office would like to thank the Auckland people for their patience and preparation for the severe weather which prevented more widespread damage and effects.

The limited scale of damage for a region with 1.4 million people can be directly contributed to the actions by Aucklanders in responding to information from Civil Defence, the MetService, and other organisations.

The Government has set up a helpline number for all information about services and assistance that is available to people affected by the severe weather.  They can call 0800 779 997.

The Auckland people have experienced the damage caused by a natural event, such as severe thunderstorms, so here are some simple steps Aucklander’s can take to reduce the impact and be better prepared.

You will need to have:

▪         A Household Emergency Plan

o       Your family or household need to have a plan in case you are separated before, during or after an emergency.

o       You need to know how to apply that plan to Auckland’s hazards 

▪         Emergency Survival Kit

o       Food and water for at least 3 days

o       Battery powered torch and radio

o       First aid kit

o       Supplies for pets

▪         A Getaway Kit if you need to be evacuated

o       Essential items from your Emergency Survival kit

o       Family documents .eg. passports and drivers license

o       Personal items .eg. medication and toiletries

▪         Listen to your radio for Civil Defence information and advice in an emergency.

▪         You need to reduce the impact of a disaster on your business by ensuring that you have business continuity plans in place in the event of an emergency.

▪         For more information visit

§         www.getthru.govt.nz

§         www.cdemg.org.nz

§         or contact your local council.

ENDS

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