CIVIL DEFENCE - surviving a disaster

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 511, 9 November 1993, Page 9

CIVIL DEFENCE - surviving a disaster

Preparation is the key to surviving a natural disaster. While the old expression "prepare for the worst" may .sound like the advice of a pessimist, that is exactly the advice that Civil Defence has to offer. Why Plan? The key to surviving any emergency is having appropriate survival skills and knowing beforehand what you are going to do every step along the way. All adults in a household, along with children who can understand and carry out basic instructions should participate in developing a household plan. Points to consider include: □ Emergency procedures (applicable to the Ruapehu region). Learn what to do to survive: an earthquake (practice duck, cover and hold techniques. - a flood - a volcanic eruption - a fire You can obtain information by contacting the Ruapehu District Council's Civil Defence Co-ordinator, Karen Ngatai. For fire procedures, contact a member of your local Fire Service. O Learn first aid. Contact the nearest

branch of the NZ Red Cross Society or the Order of St John. □ Emergency escape routes. These will be necessary in case of fire, flood, and an eruption - depending on the magnitude of the eruption. Draw a plan of your house and identify the safe ways of getting out in a hurry, and PRACTISE them. As part of a fire plan, organise an assembly area down the road and make sure everyone knows where to go. □ Shelter/safe areas. Different natural threats each require their own shelter and safe area procedures: - Earthquakes: duck, cover and roll. - Fire: drop and crawl. - Flood: seek higher ground. - Eruption: stay indoors, away from volcanic ash and debris. □ Responsibilities. Divide up responsibilities for: - Storing emergency food and water supplies. - Storing fuel and cooking utensils. . - Checking the batteries in torches and transistor radio. - Maintaining your disaster survival kit (see box). - Maintaining the

household getaway kit (see box) - if you need to leave home in a hurry, you will need one. - Turning off gas, power and water supplies to the house. - Planning emergency toilet and hygiene arrangements. - Collecting children from school/providing for household pets. - Checking that your neighbours are OK.

In the event of a Civil Defence disaster, make your way to your nearest Civil Defence Assembly Centre: Household getaway kit □ FAMILY DOCUMENTS - birth and marriage certificates - passports - insurance policies - irreplacable family photos

LIESSENTIAL MEDICINES - an extra supply to last you up to 72 hours □ CLOTHING - HYGIENE -weather proof (against wind, rain or sun) - strong shoes - personal items (toothbrush, soap, towel) - extra items for infants and young children