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KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HAVE TO DO IT
Hundreds of earthquakes occur in New Zealand each year. A few cause damage and injury. A severe earthquake can occur at any time. Before an Earthquake occurs: DO Secure heavy furniture to the wall or floor. During an Earthquake inside: • Take cover under a table or brace yourself in a doorway. During an Earthquake outside: In a high rise area • Take cover in a doorway. If you are driving • Slow down, pull over to the side of the road and stop. After an Earthquake: • Check those around you and help them if necessary.
A tsunami is a series of sea waves generated by underwater earthquakes or large landslides. Tsunami warning: The Ministry of Civil Defence issues national warnings through the Police and civil defence organisations, and through radio and television broadcasts. Near source Tsunamis: A "near source" tsunami is one that is generated close to our coastline by a strong earthquake. New Zealand has experienced a few of these. The water level may fall very quickly past the normal low tide mark, then return just as quickly. If this happens there won't be enough time to issue a warning. When a Tsunami threatens: DO Turn on your radio and follow all instructions.
New Zealand has seven active volcanic centres, all in the North Island. Before an eruption: Discover whether there are volcanic hazards likely to affect you. When an eruption threatens: If volcanologists agree that a life-threatening eruption is likely to take
place, a Civil Defence Emergency will be declared and the danger area evacuated.
Listen to your radio for information and follow civil defence advice. During an Eruption: DO Save water in your bath, basin, containers or cylinders at an early stage
- supplies may become polluted.
Disastrous floods have struck most parts of New Zealand at some time or other. Floods are the most common cause of a Civil Defence Emergency. Before a flood strikes: DO Assume that you will have to cope with a flood. Several so-called
'100-year' floods can happen in quick succession. When a flood strikes: DO Listen to your radio for information. Follow Civil Defence advice and
instructions.
Damaging wind is caused by deep depressions or by tornadoes. A strong wind warning is issued by the National Forecasting Centre when winds of more than 87 km/h are expected over land. When a strong wind warning is issued: DO Listen to your radio for information. During a storm: DO Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind -this will
relieve pressure on the roof. After the storm: DO Avoid dangling and broken power lines. Report these to the nearest electrical authority. DO Contact your local council for advice about cleaning up debris. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS At home: Develop an emergency plan which includes these points: • where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm; In your street: Join or form a neighbourhood support group. You and your neighbours will have skills and resources that can be vital in an emergency. Start discussing today what you can do to assist each other. Contact the Police for advice. Become a civil defence volunteer. Ask your local civil defence organisation how you can help. Your Emergency Survival Kit: Emergency Clothing
Food and Water Emergency Items, Special supplies for babies
Special supplies for those with disabilities
• If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs. • Put all items, especially blankets and clothing, into leakproof plastic
bags. Your Getaway Kit: Each person in the house should have a small bag for their Getaway Kit, ready
for evacuation. Family documents: • Birth and marriage certificates Personal hygiene items: • Towels and soap Babies' and small children's supplies: • Food and drink
People with hearing impairment may not be well served by radio. Make arrangements to be sure you are informed by somebody. People with sight impairment may have extra difficulties if their home is disrupted - perhaps in an earthquake - and may have extra difficulties in an unfamiliar Civil Defence Centre. You should arrange some form of "buddy" system. People with asthma and other respiratory disorders may be especially affected by stress, dust or volcanic ash. Have plenty of medicines and face masks in your Emergency Survival Kit. People with special food needs, be sure to include as much as you can in your Emergency Survival Kit. People with mobility aids, insist on bringing your aid if you are evacuated. Moving to safety is fine, but you won't want to be helpless when you get there. Don't forget your pet: • Have a permanent disc on your pet's collar with your name, phone number and, if possible, address. • Always have a carry-box with a blanket or towel ready. Identify the box with your name, address and phone number. • Keep an emergency supply of tinned pet food. Where there is time... • If you are unable to take your animals with you or if you have been ordered to leave your pets behind, you should release penned animals, including chickens. • In cases of flooding, your pets can be placed in the roof space of your home with as much food and water left for them as practicable. • If you have stock, open internal farm gates but do not allow access to roads. • Appointed Wardens and SPCA personnel will be on hand to visit your home for you. Tell them where your animals are and how they can be identified. REMEMBER THAT YOUR ANIMALS MAY BE MORE SELF SUFFICIENT THAN YOU THINK Civil Defence facts: • Prevents loss of life • Helps the injured • Relieves personal distress It is an activity that we can all participate in at home, in our neighbourhoods, at work, or as volunteers with community or civil defence organisations. In most emergencies, emergency services and local councils manage the situation on their own. However, a major emergency will stretch their resources. We must therefore be prepared to look after ourselves and our neighbours for up to 72 hours. Civil Defence emergencies: When an emergency occurs, the Mayor of the city or district (or Chairperson of the region) affected may declare a Civil Defence Emergency. Declaring a Civil Defence Emergency gives the Civil Defence Controller and the Police legal authority to: • Evacuate buildings and places. |
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Clutha District Council, PO Box 25, Balclutha |