More residents plan for survival but are not prepared

Recently published results of a national survey on people’s preparedness for a disaster has revealed that Bay of Plenty residents are better prepared than ever before but there’s room for improvement.

Chair of the Bay of Plenty Joint Committee for Emergency Management, John Forbes said the annual independent research revealed that two-thirds (66 percent) of Bay of Plenty residents have a survival plan for their household, which is a significant increase of 19 percent on the 2010 result.

“The annual research conducted by Colmar Brunton showed a greater awareness of the need to be prepared for an emergency situation,” Mr Forbes said.

“There is no doubt that the recent earthquakes in Christchurch, floods and cyclones in Australia, and earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan have caused many residents to reassess their emergency readiness.

“We are pleased to see that more than a third of local people (34 percent) are fully prepared at home, and 87 percent of people have some emergency items.

“Where we can improve is by helping people become fully prepared for an emergency situation, because at the moment just 12 percent of people are fully prepared.”

Mr Forbes encouraged residents to take responsibility for their safety, and that of their family, by having a survival plan and becoming fully prepared for any emergency.

“There are a number of resources available to help people fully prepare for an emergency, and there has never been a better time for people to take action,” Mr Forbes said.

“To get started, or to take the next step, log on to www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz for information and advice, or contact your local council.”

The 2011 Colmar Brunton survey included 71 respondents from the Bay of Plenty among more than 1100 people nationally. The full report can be accessed here.