22 March 2013

Hawke’s Bay people urged to ‘be prepared’ through social media

Hawke’s Bay people are being encouraged to link to the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HB CDEM) Group using social media.

HBCDEM Group, which is made up of Napier City, Hastings, Wairoa and Central Hawke’s Bay Distinct Councils and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, is launching itself onto the social media stage as another way of keeping in touch with people.

It wants people to go online and ‘like’ its new Facebook page – hbemergency and follow HB Emergency on Twitter. Both Twitter and Facebook compliments the Group website – hbemergency.govt.nz

HBCDEM Group Manager Ian Macdonald says the Christchurch Earthquake highlighted the importance of social media in an emergency.

“After the Christchurch quake many people turned to social media to find out what was happening and where to get assistance. Those who were connected to social media then passed on information within their neighbourhood,” says Mr Macdonald.

“By linking into our social media pages now people will be regularly updated and also connected in the event of an emergency. The same social media will be used by all councils for emergencies, whether they are small scale or affect the wider region”

The Hawke’s Bay Emergency Facebook Page and Twitter feed will include important updates such as planned siren testing and helpful tips on preparing for an emergency.

In an emergency social media provides another contact point, and will be used along with radio reports, news releases, flyers and direct contact where appropriate.
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