Media Release

Tuesday 23 June 2009

For immediate release

Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours…

Get to know your neighbours is the word from Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller, Harry O’Rourke.

“There are people in our community, quite possibly the next door neighbours, who may need your help in the event of an emergency.  Conversely, you never know when you’ll need your neighbour’s help.”

The current Novel A H1N1 09 pandemic is just one of the hazards that the Auckland public face and all Aucklanders need to take action so they are prepared.

“Contrary to the common view, civil defence is not an army, and it is very important that the people who can prepare and look after themselves do so, so that civil defence can help those who are vulnerable in our community.”
 
“People make up a community and if you get to know your neighbour or join a community group, when there is an emergency, people will be able to support and help each other,” said Harry O’Rourke.

The Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s vision is ‘A resilient Auckland region’.  The challenge behind this vision is making sure all Aucklanders are prepared to look after themselves and their families.  This is because it may take days before any help outside your community can reach you. 

“I hope that the Auckland people are listening to the advice to be prepared, not only for this pandemic, but with winter upon us we also have the ability to prepare ourselves early so we need to be thinking ahead and planning for whatever winter may bring,” said Harry O’Rourke.

“There are people in your community that will also need your help, now is the time to get to know your neighbours.”

ENDS

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