Practicing responding to an emergency with neighbours at a Community Emergency Hub has been described as beneficial by participants.

Readiness drills are taking place as part of Tauranga City Council’s pilot programme to launch these hubs, where you can go to share skills and resources with your neighbours, information about what’s happening in an emergency, and support others who are in the same situation as you and your family.

Once hubs are launched, readiness drills take place to simulate how they might run. These readiness drills walk participants through setting up, working together, and problem solving.

Raewyn Bell attended the readiness drill at C3 Church / The Atrium. Having lived in Christchurch during the earthquakes, she says being able to help in an emergency felt good.

“Disasters can be challenging and it's better not to be alone. I've enjoyed getting to know more about my own neighbourhood from other locals. They know things that I don't which benefits me for everyday living, but I also feel a bit better prepared for an emergency.”

Kathy Webb attended two readiness drills as a participant. She says having the practice is reassuring, knowing how to respond if the time ever comes.

“While we hope it’s never needed, it’s comforting to know there are well-prepared places ready to support us in an emergency like the hubs.”

Council’s Emergency Management Team Leader, Daniel Pearce, says the hubs aim to empower the community with knowledge to help the people closest to them.

“It’s human nature to want to help in emergencies. Getting involved with your nearest hub is a great way to offer your skills and support the people around you while the most urgent callouts are prioritised by emergency services.”

You do not need to attend a launch event to join a readiness drill. Everyone is welcome to get involved.

“If you live nearby and want to get some more information about the hubs – we’d love to have you come down to upcoming events. If you can’t make the next ones due to other commitments, that’s no worries, we’ll keep hosting events in the future to give participants the confidence to stand up and run the hubs - if a disaster does strike.”

Hubs have been launched in Matua, Ōtūmoetai, Bellevue and Brookfield as part of the pilot programme. Readiness drills are taking place at three hubs in the coming weeks: one at Ōtūmoetai College on 25 May between 2 and 4pm, another at Matua Bowls Club on 8 June between 2 and 4pm, and the third at Te Kura o Manunui on 11 June between 6 and 8pm.

The next locations for Community Emergency Hubs are in the process of being identified, meaning the programme will expand into other areas in Tauranga.

“Come to a local meeting or practice night, bring a neighbour or local friend with you, and break the ice before it's the "real deal". It's quite reassuring to learn about your local community and the hubs before you absolutely need it,” says Raewyn.

For more information, and to find locations and dates for upcoming hub launches and readiness drills, head to letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/ceh

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