September 24, 2007

Emergency Preparedness in Six Days

Emergency organisations are encouraging Cantabrians of all ages to prepare for an emergency in six days as part of National Disaster Awareness Week, which runs from October 7-13.

“Most people know they should prepare, but have other priorities. We are asking people to make getting ready for an emergency a priority this week,” said John Fisher, Regional Civil Defence Emergency Manager.

During the week in Canterbury, there will be a number of activities sponsored by Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, St. John, New Zealand Fire Service, Red Cross, and other emergency response organisations. There will be a competition and a series of presentations about preparing for emergencies as a business.

On each day starting Monday, October 8 to Saturday, October 13, there will be a half page advertisement in the Christchurch Press and Timaru Herald which will contain a competition, stories, tips, and other emergency preparation information. Each day there will be a piece of a “picture” in and all six pieces must be collected to display the full picture and then mailed in.

The competition grand prize is an “Ultimate Emergency Services VIP Tour.” The tour includes a helicopter flight, riding in an ambulance, and other exciting adventures with the emergency services in Canterbury. Anyone over the age of 10 can enter.

Also during the week will be a series of presentations for businesses in Christchurch and Timaru entitled “Disasters Don’t Discriminate!”

These presentations will include a short tour of what goes on in the Canterbury Emergency Coordination Centre during any significant emergency, as well as how businesses in the region can prepare for emergencies.

Presentation dates and locations:
Monday, October 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m. (afternoon tea provided)
in Waiau Theatrette at ECan, 58 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Tuesday, October 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m. (morning tea provided)
in Waiau Theatrette at ECan, 58 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Tuesday, October 9, 2:00-3:00 p.m. (afternoon tea provided)
in Waiau Theatrette at ECan, 58 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Wednesday, October 10, time to be announced, in Timaru
Thursday, October 11, 9:00-10:00 a.m. (morning tea provided)
in Waiau Theatrette at ECan, 58 Kilmore Street, Christchurch

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group with its’ partners are sponsoring these events, which are free to attend.

ENDS

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