Recent events in Christchurch have reminded us all about how important it is to be prepared for a natural disaster. Although for a long time it felt like it, New Zealand is not immune to disaster and one of our jobs at the Council is to manage Civil Defence emergencies.
In the event of a Civil Defence emergency listen to your local radio station for information and educate yourself from the information in this section.
It is important to keep calm and be prepared. Below is some information to help you understand and prepare for a Civil Defence event.
The Thames-Coromandel Emergency Planning Unit
The Emergency Planning Unit is responsible for developing and maintaining an organisation able to prepare for, respond to, and assist the recovery of, communities affected by an emergency. The unit also provides support to the Thames Valley Combined District Civil Defence Committee and the Thames Valley Rural Fire Districts Committee.
When a Civil Defence emergency occurs
Should an emergency occur, your Mayor or Regional Chairperson may declare a Civil Defence emergency. Once a declaration has been made, the Civil Defence Controller and the police have the legal authority to:
- Evacuate buildings and places
- Restrict entry into buildings, including private homes
- Close roads and public places
- Remove vehicles that impede emergency services and civil defence work
- Requisition items that are needed to save lives
Emergency management is everyone's business
In New Zealand, we are constantly exposed to the risk of disaster. It is important that we understand these risks and what they can do to us. However, there are measures we can all take to reduce the impact of disasters and be better prepared to recover quickly.
These measure include:
- Securing heavy objects to prevent damage during an earthquake
- Keeping drains and waterways clear to reduce flooding
- Being careful with how we use our land
Refer to the emergency advice section in your Yellow Pages or you can visit the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management's website at www.civildefence.govt.nz