Rotorua residents’ emergency preparedness encouraging
Rotorua residents' emergency preparedness encouraging
24 February 2014
Rotorua residents' preparedness for a major emergency is substantially higher than national and regional figures just released.
Results from a Statistics New Zealand survey reveal a gradual increase in the number of Bay of Plenty households with basic preparations in place to get through an emergency - a trend matched across the country.
The survey showed 26.5 per cent of Bay of Plenty households were prepared for a civil defence emergency, while fewer New Zealanders in general (22 per cent) believe they have the basic preparations necessary to get through.
However Rotorua District Council (RDC) surveys show a much better performance for Rotorua residents. The National Research Bureau conducts surveys within the Rotorua community every year to determine residents' level of preparedness for a civil defence emergency. The survey asks two key questions: Do you have an emergency kit? And do you have an emergency plan?
The most recent survey (April 2013) showed 54 per cent of Rotorua residents had an emergency plan, an increase of 6 per cent on 2012 (48%), while 57 per cent had an emergency kit at home, up 14 per cent on 2012 (43%).
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said it was pleasing that Rotorua is doing so well compared to national and regional figures but there was still room for more people to get themselves and their families prepared for a major emergency.
While it's really encouraging to see the majority of local residents have taken decisive action to get ready for an unexpected emergency, there are still too many people who aren't prepared.
The unfortunate events of Canterbury in recent years should be enough to remind us that we're not immune from the possibility of a major event affecting our district. While we enjoy living in a geothermal wonderland we also need to acknowledge that this unique environment comes with some additional risks.
I urge all residents to ensure they have their own household emergency plan in place, and an emergency survival kit set up at home, to help get through at least the first few days of a major emergency.
RDC's emergency management coordinator Pauline Hitchcock says if people need help or advice on how to prepare an emergency plan, and about what should go into an emergency kit, they can visit the council website www.rdc.govt.nz or www.getthru.govt.nz, or contact Ms Hitchcock at Rotorua District Council on 07 348 4199.