Disaster Awareness Week, 11 - 17 October 2009

Disaster Awareness Week is supported by Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group from 11- 17 October.

One big difference this year is that it follows a number of civil defence emergencies and police alerts in Hawke’s Bay – very clear reminders of how suddenly things can happen, and how long people may need to cope without assistance.

Whether it’s an event requiring Police action that prevents people from getting home for a couple of nights, or snow on a road that forces a change of plans or keeps people at home, or a tsunami alert that needs to be responded to, or an earthquake at night ... Hawke’s Bay people have been learning that being better prepared for any emergency is essential.

Added to these events has been the recent testing by Napier City Council of the civil defence sirens. The public have responded well to a survey of siren loudness and this information will be used to plan for future civil defence warnings.

During the week there are a number of activities from Wairoa to Waipukurau reinforcing the GET READY GET THRU message – although emergency management staff are hoping these won’t include any more genuine emergency events.

New World Supermarkets and The Warehouse are helping to make it easier for people during Disaster Awareness Week. They will have instore displays of essential items that people should have at home (or work) in their emergency kits.

Peter Elliot, the well-known New Zealand actor who fronts the GET READY GET THRU advertisements on television and in newspapers, will be in Hawke’s Bay along with Hon John Carter, the Minister of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, to talk to people about being prepared.

On Friday 16 October, Peter will be at New World Hastings, 10 -11 am, and both Peter and John will be at New World Greenmeadows, 12.30 - 1.30pm, where the winner of Napier City Council’s siren test survey draw will also receive their prize.

Other events during the week include a competition for children in community newspapers, and a WHAT’S THE PLAN STAN? poster design competition through schools.

So make time this week to check ... Do you know what radio stations to listen to for alerts and updates? Have you enough water and food stored or does it need replacing? Do you have batteries ready for torches and radios? A first aid kit plus any essential medicines you need? Have you sat down at home to plan what you will do when an emergency occurs?

And the recent snow storm is a reminder that it also pays to plan for an emergency when you are driving out of the district – blankets, water and food in the car can make a wait for rescue more comfortable.
For more information, check inside the cover of the Yellow Pages for a guide or go online to www.hbemergency.govt.nz