Fire Service installs new Evacuation Sirens

New Zealand Fire Service technicians are installing the new Fire/ Civil Defence evacuation sirens at Shag Point this week. There are four sirens mounted on two poles at the western and eastern end of the settlement. The sirens will be activated by the New Zealand Fire Service from their communications centre in Christchurch in the event of a vegetation or forest fire emergency. The Shag Point residents already have an evacuation plan that was drawn up between the Waitaki District Council Rural Fire Authority, the Department of Conservation and the residents of Shag Point.

The plan was put in place last year after a risk analysis indicated the forest area behind the village was a significant risk to the residents. The plan advises residents to evacuate to designated evacuation points at the western and eastern end of the Shag Point Road or access the beach closest to their residence.

At the same time as the siren is activated the New Zealand Fire Service, Department of Conservation and Waitaki Rural Fire Authority appliances will be mobilised to the area. Once the sirens are commissioned the Fire Service and the Waitaki Rural Fire Authority will meet with residents to explain how the sirens will operate.

Waitaki Emergency Service manager, Chris Raine explained: “I am pleased that council funding has been released for this project and this will ensure that during a future emergency event the safety of the Shag Point community can be assured”.