Thames-Coromandel well above average in natural disaster preparedness

While the latest New Zealand General Social Survey shows only 15 per cent of the country to be well prepared for a natural disaster, the level of preparedness in the Thames-Coromandel is far higher, with 55 per cent of residents well prepared for a natural disaster, such as that which hit Haiti and Chile recently.*

Thames Valley Combined Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Manager, Ron White says local communities, media and emergency services have worked hard to develop local plans.

Mr. White says the local response to the Tsunami Warning after the Chile earthquake was an excellent example of this. "Everything went better this time compared to last September's event, partially due to local communities implementing their previously prepared arrangements."

The relationship between the CDEM and media also contributed greatly to the smooth management of the tsunami warning on the Coromandel Peninsula, but CDEM is still concerned about complacency.

"We're fortunate in the Coromandel that our preparedness is high," Mr. White adds, "but no matter how well prepared we are, no matter how good the information, it is only effective if individuals take responsibility for their own safety."

He also encourages people to think of others. "We realise visitors may be here on a weekend break and taking time out at the beach without a radio or a television, so we also ask people to remember to tell their neighbours."

Up to date information about disaster preparedness is available at Thames-Coromandel District Council service centres, from Civil Defence staff and online at www.tcdc.govt.nz/beprepared.