MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 March 2019

Do you know your neighbours? If not, why not get to know them at events happening in your area this weekend and next week? You could be each other’s best source of support in an emergency!

As part of this year’s Neighbours Day 10th anniversary celebrations, which take place over ten days between 22 and 31 March, the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) will be organising several Community Emergency Hub exercises where people can meet their neighbours and practice how their community can respond to an emergency.

Scott Dray, Community Resilience Team Leader for WREMO, explains: “It’s good to know your neighbours and have a contact number for them if you need someone to check on your property or feed your cat if you can’t get home. But in an emergency, the people you live nearest can suddenly become your most immediate source of support. Knowing your neighbours and having a quick conversation about how you could help each other out in an emergency, such as sharing resources like a gas BBQ, is an easy way to be more prepared.

“During Neighbours Day celebrations we will be out and about engaging with communities around the Wellington Region and running events where you can learn how you can be more prepared as a community and meet your neighbours while enjoying a free BBQ. Find out about events near you or book us to come along to your next community group meeting.”

To find out more about Neighbours Day and WREMO’s emergency preparedness events in your area go to www.getprepared.nz/neighbours-day.

ENDS

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