Big increases in visitors to civil defence websites

There have been big increases in visitors to the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management websites since the Canterbury earthquake at 04.35am on Saturday 4 September.

In the first two days (Saturday and Sunday) there were nearly 90,000 visitors to the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management websites www.civildefence.govt.nz and www.getthru.govt.nz

This compares with an average of about 500 visitors to these websites on a non emergency day.

Director of Civil Defence and Emergency Management John Hamilton, said the Ministry aims to provide a useful source of information for local people and other New Zealanders.

“It is pleasing to know that so many people are accessing the sites. Civil Defence encourages people to continue using the websites. Regular updates are on the site as well as preparedness information and emergency contact details,” says John Hamilton.

There is useful advice on what people need to do get ready for a disaster.

People can access updates through Twitter and RSS feeds at www.civildefence.govt.nz

ENDS

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