Evacuation under-preparedness could cause fatalities

A survey conducted in Whangamata this morning showed that around 80% of people who evacuated had no survival kit or means to sustain themselves, other than the vehicle they were in and a blanket.

"I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I am that people who evacuated weren't prepared for a long stay if they had been unable to get home or were isolated from help for several days," says Thames Valley Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler.

"If the Coromandel had had an event similar to that in Kaikoura taking a drink bottle and a blanket with you isn't going to sustain you and your family for up to three days. Similar to asking a teenager to clean their room, the message of being prepared just isn't getting through," says Mr Towler.

"Relying on neighbours to look after you, your family and in some instances your pets isn't a good plan. You may need to survive away from your home or in your home with no power, or be cut off from towns for several days, so being prepared is paramount."

There was also much confusion around sirens. Some communities on the Coromandel have installed tsunami warning sirens. They sound similar to the volunteer fire brigade fire sirens but when activated rise and stay on a high pitched tone and will operate for 10 minutes or more.

However the best warning is not a siren, but the natural disaster signs.

They are:

A strong earthquake which knocks you off your feet,

A long vibrating earthquake that lasts for more than one minute,

A sudden change in the sea levels on beaches and near river mouths,

Loud roaring noises like a jet engine from out at sea.

At that point, get to high ground (20m above sea level). It's that simple.

Many communities in rural areas do not have a siren, and some may not hear a siren due to power cuts, double glazing or strong winds. Don't rely solely on the sirens; download the Red Cross Hazard App for updated information.

If you felt an earthquake, but didn't hear a siren, even if you did, it is very important that you have a household plan which includes how you will be informed if there you need to evacuate. Your plan should include:

Download the Red Cross Hazards App on your smartphone or mobile device - Emergency alerts come from official agencies (MetService, Civil Defence, GNS Science etc.) and you can monitor up to five locations.

TC_DC - Emergency Twitter -  Get emergency updates via SMS by texting follow TC_DC to 8987

Phone tree - If you don't have a smartphone or mobile device, organise someone who does to give you a call and vice-versa. Think about elderly neighbours, family and friends who are perhaps on their own and may need support. If you don't see your neighbour at the evacuation point, give them a call to make sure they are safe.

Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit - You may need to survive away from your home (or in your home with no power, or be cut off from towns) for several days. To see the types of things to have in your kit see www.tcdc.govt.nz/emergency-kit

"Don't wait to be told to evacuate, use your common sense, if you feel a long and or strong earthquake, then get gone. It is better to be safe and feel silly than to be complacent and, well I don't think I need to finish that sentence," says Mr Towler.

Super moon and king tides

This week’s super moon event will bring a series of king tides on the Coromandel's coasts raising high tide levels to 100-year peaks, some tides reaching up to 2.1 metres.

The highest tides over the week on the west coast will be Tuesday 15 November around 10.45 am and Wednesday 16 November around 11.30 am.  On the Firth of Thames coasts they will be on Wednesday 16 November around 9 am and Thursday 17 November around 10 am.  On the east coast of the Coromandel they’ll occur on Thursday 17 November around 9.30 am and Friday 18 November around 10.30 am.

"Tides of this size can cover the lower sections of the Whangamata Wharf, waves crashing onto the Thames coast road in places like Tararu, inundation around Rhodes Park and possible inundation around the southern entrances to Mercury Bay," says Garry Towler, Thames Valley Civil Defence Controller.

"We will be watching the weather and will let people know if any weather event will coincide with the king tides," says Mr Towler. "In the meantime, get a plan together for you and your family for what you would do if you have to evacuate," he stressed.

In the meantime Civil Defence are asking that people keep an eye on the weather, especially if they are in low lying areas as there is a possibility of increased surface water.

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