9 October 2009

Disaster awareness week: prepare and plan for the worst eventuality

The recent tsunami alerts - and the devastation in the Samoas and Tonga - have delivered a very powerful reminder that we are all vulnerable to a natural disaster, says the North Shore City Council.

David Keay, the council Manager of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, says that a cyclone, tsunami, volcanic eruption, a flu virus pandemic, or even an extended power and water outage could see North Shore households needing to look after themselves for a period of hours or even days.

“As has been demonstrated in the Pacific, in a situation of widespread devastation, emergency services simply cannot provide all the help that is needed immediately.”

“Each and every household needs to be prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible during a disaster, especially directly after the disaster strikes.”

Every household needs to put aside a store of food and water, and have the capacity to cook meals, address hygiene needs, get news of the outside world, and to meet the needs of any babies, elderly people or pets.

Families also need to consider how they would keep in touch and re-unite if they were separated when the disaster struck, and also how they could help vulnerable neighbours such as the elderly.

Mr Keay says that all those questions should be top of mind during Disaster Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday 11 October to Saturday 17 October.

“For each individual, the most important step is to actually start preparing an emergency kit and an emergency plan.

“Our community is made up of individuals. If each individual is prepared, then we develop a strong and resilient community,” he says.  “If your household has an emergency plan and an emergency kit, then if there is a disaster, you are in a position to help yourself, your family, and if necessary other people in your community.”

Mr Keay says that Disaster Awareness Week is an ideal time to make contact with other people in the neighbourhood, so that in the event of a disaster the more vulnerable households get the support they need.

He says that every household should put aside enough food and water for at least three days, along with a first aid kit, torches, radio, batteries and anything else which is necessary for hygiene and health.

For more information see the Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group website www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz

ENDS

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