MEDIA RELEASE

Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

29 May 2008

Are we prepared for the winter ahead?

The storm that caused major power outages in July last year affected thousands of homes in the Auckland region, some experiencing loss of power for up to four days. 

Emergency services were stretched and many people had to rely on their own emergency plans until power was restored.

Recently, reports in the media that hydro water levels are low due to the drought event over summer have suggested there is concern for the winter ahead.

The distress that is caused by the loss of a resource we rely upon everyday, like power, can be reduced by some simple steps.

Aucklander’s are advised to be prudent with their electricity use and there are some simple tips to achieve this on a new website launched by the power companies.  Please visit www.winterpower.co.nz

We have the ability to prepare ourselves early so we need to be thinking ahead and planning for whatever winter may bring because a severe storm or other event could cut power to Aucklander’s.  Everybody needs to ensure they are ready if an event occurs.

People should plan ahead:

§         Have a Household Emergency Plan

§         Ensure you have emergency survival items to cope for 3 days or more consisting of battery powered radio, torch, food, three litres of water per person per day and an alternative cooking source

§         Look out for your neighbours

§         People that need power for medical reasons should ensure that they notify their power supplier and also discuss contingency planning with their health provider

There is information available from the www.aucklandcdemg.org.nz website and from local councils on what you need to do to get ready.

If there is the need for alternative sources of lighting .eg. candles and cooking eg. gas to be used please practice fire safety.  There are important fire safety tips for everyone to remember and follow on www.fire.org.nz

Ends

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