Civil Defence open day

A natural disaster can happen anywhere, any time. Are you prepared? Do you want to live to tell the tale? You can with the help of Napier Civil Defence, which is hosting a Civil Defence Open Day, aptly named “Live to Tell the Tale” at the Napier War Memorial Conference Centre, Marine Parade, Napier on Saturday October 16, from 10am until 2pm.

The open day is being held as part of National “Get Ready Week” and will cover everything from getting a survival kit and family plan together, to signing up for emergency text alerts (we’ll show you how) and becoming a Civil Defence volunteer.

“There will be a number of stands and displays,” Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade says. “Our aim is to make it a one-stop-shop for all you need to know about Civil Defence. We will have a water display, showing just how much water a family of four would need to survive on their own for three days. When you actually see how much water is needed, it’s quite astonishing.”

Another exciting aspect of the day is the launch of the Civil Defence DVDs for Deaf people. Representatives from Deaf Aotearoa will be at the open day giving out the DVDs, which are in sign language and provide advice for the Deaf about getting ready and getting through.

“The emergency text alerts are perfect for deaf people because they can switch their phones to vibrate and put them under their pillow at night so they will be alerted at the same time as everyone else.”

The Napier Fire Service will also be there promoting the important use of smoke alarms.

It’s not all serious though, because along with the serious stuff comes fun stuff too! Hawke’s Bay Magpies players will be visiting to help give out some major prizes and sign autographs, there will be a designated kids’ area for colouring in, mascots giving out treats and giveaways every half an hour!

The Salvation Army are having a sausage sizzle with proceeds going to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

“It’s all about reiterating that message ‘Get Ready Get Thru’ and the open day is the perfect opportunity for us to help our community do that.”

Don’t miss it! We look forward to seeing you there.