Marlborough Civil Defence - Are You Ready For The Big One?
Thursday 5 January 2012, 3:27PM
By Marlborough District Council
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Disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and storms can strike at any time, sometimes without warning. All disasters have the potential to cause disruption, damage property and take lives so be sure you are ready to protect yourself, your family home, business and community.
Many disasters will affect essential services and possibly disrupt your ability to travel or communicate with family and each other. You may be confined to your home or forced to evacuate your neighbourhood. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster the emergency services may not be able to get help to everyone as quickly as required.
You need to have:
- A household Emergency Plan
- A survival kit
- A get away kit.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and the Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Group promote the national “Get ready, get through” message.
The message is that people and organisations need to prepare to survive on their own for at least three days. Everyone needs water (three litres per person per day) and food for three days, whether at home, work or on holiday. It is your responsibility to be prepared.
Remember, in a large event you may not be able to rely on telephones or mobile phones. Have a plan.
The Marlborough Emergency Management Group has in place a robust plan to deal with an emergency such as an earthquake, flood or other emergency, but it could take three days or more for our organisation to help you after a big disaster.
Marlborough has identified a number of sector/welfare centres in Marlborough where you could go to, either to receive help or offer assistance. Find out where your nearest sector centre is located.
In a serious event, temporary welfare centres may be necessary at halls and schools outside the affected areas. However it may take two or three days to set them up, depending on the extent of damage.
Marlborough Civil Defence has established a recovery group made up of many organisations such as engineers, building inspectors and many volunteer organisations.
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Council, and the District Health Board are all included in the group structure and are fully involved in planning for an event.
Please contact Civil Defence by phoning the Council on Ph: 520 7400.