19 September 2013

Neighbours important in a Civil Defence emergency

Having a cuppa with your neighbour might not seem like a big deal, but it could ultimately lead to you and your neighbour helping each other get through a Civil Defence emergency.

Next week (23-29 September) is Get Ready Week and Hawke’s Bay people are being urged to take some time to get to know their neighbours as part of their plan to be prepared should disaster strike.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager, Ian Macdonald says in a civil defence emergency neighbours play an important role.

“They can alert you of imminent danger, communicate information you may not have heard and even share power or supplies,” says Mr Macdonald.

He says neighbours are even more important for the elderly and disabled in our community, who rely on various networks for information.

Mr Macdonald says there are numerous ways of getting to know your neighbours including:

Baking – This is always a good ice breaker and elderly neighbours are very grateful for the gesture. While chatting you could mention your household plans for a Civil Defence emergency and ask what they have planned and see where you can help each other. Does your neighbour have some good amenities which can be shared in times of need?

Plan Sharing – You could write a letter and drop it in nearby letterboxes letting neighbours know your plans and what you’d like to achieve with their help.

Street BBQ – You could hold a street BBQ in a near-by park and discuss your emergency plans in a neutral, relaxed environment.

Neighbourhood Support – You could start or join a Neighbourhood Support group in your area. These have proved hugely successful where they have already been established.

Mr Macdonald says its important neighbourhoods find their own way of communicating their Civil Defence emergency plans.

“After the Christchurch earthquakes it showed communities that had strong neighbourhood support networks recovered quicker than those where people went it alone.”

For more information about Civil Defence preparation phone your local Civil Defence office, visit www.hbemergency.govt.nz, ‘Like’ us on Facebook or ‘follow’ us on Twitter.

ENDS

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