If the volcano erupts...

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 42, 9 April 1985, Page 6

If the volcano erupts...

If an earthquake or volcanic eruption were to occur in the Waimarino, the Ohakune Borough Council offices would be the 'nerve centre' for the civil defence co-ordina-tion of rescue, relief and public information. The controller of the Waimarino combined district civil defence organisation, Mayor of Ohakune, Mr Bill Taylor, would, in conjunction with the advis-

ory group and section heads, determine a plan of action for the emergency. The various sections of civil defence, staffed by volunteers, would co-ordin-ate rescue, welfare, casualty handling and communications. Finance for equipment to supply two civil defence rescue teams was granted at the three-monthly meeting of the combined district civil defence organisation last week. x

The cost of supplying the teams will be a maximum of $1600, which will include, for each team, a stretcher, medical kit, radio set, light tramping pack and a roll of utility line, along with clothing and supplies for each individual. The civil defence organiser, Mr Don Robinson, said although he has already recruited about 20 people willing to be trained for team rescue work, he would welcome other volunteers. Members of the rescue teams will be trained in all areas of emergency rescue ' techniques .and must have the ability to work in difficult or dangerous conditions. Apart from the rescue team, Mr Robinson is having a recruiting drive for volunteers in all areas of civil defence. These include the welfare section, headquarters section, warden section, communications and the transport section. The Waimarino combined district organisation includes the Ohakune and Raetihi boroughs and the Waimarino County. The civil defence organisation is not state funded, but relies solely on community effort to work effectively.