Natural Disaster

possibly coming soon to a suburb near you

This could be “a scary, inventive, exciting and breathless adventure combining the best elements of all disaster movies”.

Or it could be the story of a family, living in Ngaio, suddenly having to evacuate their home and account for family members who are at school or working in the city.

Unlike the film versions there will be no be heroic George Clooney's or Angelina Jolie’s effortlessly rescuing endangered citizens.  If a major natural disaster strikes Wellington we will be looking after ourselves, within our community; we will need food, water, batteries and a meeting plan. 

Wellington is vulnerable to natural disasters, some like bush fires, flooding, high winds or tsunamis mean the damage is likely to be localised and handled by the emergency services. 

A major earthquake, however, will cause severe disruption to the entire Wellington region.

In this event, Ngaio and Crofton Downs could become isolated by major land-slips blocking the main road networks and could be cut off from emergency assistance for up to 7 days.

It will become the responsibility of the greater Ngaio community to provide aid and support to those affected in our area.

The Wellington Emergency Management Office (WEMO) is dedicated to creating a prepared community and has set up Civil Defence Centres (CDCs) around the city. These centres will play a critical role in providing the necessary aid and support within the immediate community. Trained volunteers will communicate by radio with WEMO, provide information and endeavour to manage the local civil emergency situation.

Ngaio and Crofton Downs Primary School are your CDCs and need volunteers. Would you like to become a volunteer?

Do you have; first aid training, radio skills, project management experience or a desire to help the community? If so or you want to know more contact; 

For Ngaio contact:   Fiona King      04 479 6186

For Crofton Downs contact: Cam Smart 04 479 6379

For WEMO direct contact:    04 460 0657

In the event of a Civil Emergency

• Look after yourself

• Look after your family

• Look after your neighbours

• If you are sure that your immediate surroundings are safe and your family is adequately cared for, stay at home.

• If you feel you, or your family, are in danger, go to the Community Emergency Management Centre (CDC) at Ngaio or Crofton Downs Primary Schools

• If you are able and willing to help others, report to the CDC.

 THINK, PLAN, PREPARE

 Before a Civil Emergency, get prepared, think about your emergency plan:

• Who collects the children?

• Where will your family meet?

• Are your current arrangements up-to-date?

• Do you have emergency supplies of water, non-perishable food, torches, batteries etc?

• Have you made your household safe by securing large pieces of furniture?

For further information contact the Wellington Emergency Management Office (WEMO) on 04 460 0650 or look at the government civil defence website http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

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