22 March 2006
Larry a reminder to be prepared
The effects of Cyclone Larry on north Queensland this week serves as a salutory reminder of how important it is for
Aucklanders, and New Zealanders in general, to be prepared for natural disasters.
Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group chairman Neil Morrison says New Zealand is also at risk from
cyclones.
“It is merely chance and good fortune that means we haven’t had to manage such an event recently,” he says.
Regardless of this luck, Mr Morrison says Larry should come as a wake-up call to Aucklanders to be prepared.
“A number of significant cyclones have affected New Zealand over the years. In 1968 there was Gisele (the Wahine storm)
and in 1988 Bola struck us, so we shouldn’t be complacent and fail to make arrangements for our own safety and wellbeing
if a major disaster happens. This is the message we have been promoting in relation to Bird Flu and tsunami risks as
well – be prepared for the worst.”
He says planning for such an event ensures that families are protected until help arrives. People should be prepared to
wait up to three days for assistance after a major disaster therefore they need sufficient food and water to sustain
themselves.
“The more we push that message out the more likely we are to get through to people and save them from heartache later on
no matter what the event is, be it hurricane, earthquake, tsunami or flooding.”
Mr Morrison says this advice is timely considering tomorrow is World Meteorological Day co-ordinated by the UN’s World
Meteorological Organisation.
The choice of this year’s theme is in recognition of the fact that 90% of all natural hazards are related to weather,
climate and water.
“This day couldn’t come at a better time when there is a more concentrated focus on Civil Defence and Emergency
Management issues. Also, the theme of “preventing and mitigating natural disasters” fits well within the message of
preparation and planning that the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group has been promoting.”
He says as north Queenslanders begin the arduous job of responding and recovering to the disaster, it is very wise for
Aucklanders to think how they will react and respond in a similar situation.
“Again, it comes down to planning and preparation. Given that Auckland has a population of 1.3 million people it is
highly possible that assistance could take several days to reach affected areas depending on the nature and scale of the
disaster being faced. For this reason we urge everyone to stock up on essential items that will last them and their
family for this time.”
Mr Morrison says the Group encourages everyone to visit the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website –
www.civildefence.govt.nz – or check the inside back cover of the Yellow Pages for full details on how to be prepared.
ENDS