Be prepared for an emergency


Being prepared and ready for an emergency is vital 

Be prepared …that’s my message to our community in the wake of shakes and quakes that are currently hitting our city.
Everyone should know the drill of drop, cover and hold in the event of an earthquake.
But too often not enough preparation is made for the aftermath.
Earthquakes can break infrastructure, leaving the city without power or water, and even telephones. The basics of water, some food, lighting of some sort, a radio, and warm clothing to help carry your family, or work colleagues and neighbours, through the first hours of an emergency are vital.
Emergency evacuation from your home and availability of emergency packs containing essential supplies needs planning and preparation. It is important.
Many residents are purchasing large water containers holding more than 100 litres from the council iSite. They are a good investment.
The quake of Friday 16 August showed how much pressure goes on the mobile telephone networks and main access highways with trains and buses being suspended and people from outside the central city hitchhiking home to the Hutt Valley or up the coast.
Just getting out of the city to Lower Hutt took more than two hours for many, and for others, it took even longer.
Nothing will be normal in the first hours, or even days and weeks, following an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Schools are doing a good job in educating their pupils about being prepared. Workplaces and families in their own homes must be equally active in planning emergency exits and assembly points. One emergency pack should be available for each family member and contain essentials suitable for them. A family emergency pack with greater food and water resources, emergency medical packs and other essential equipment should also be made ready.
You can then only hope that you do not need to use them…but you will be prepared in case you do.

http://youtu.be/Tm0ra6N0cuY