Media Release for immediate use

28 August 2009

Listen to the Radio in Emergencies

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and the Hawke’s Bay Police say that although it is natural for people to be alarmed by an earthquake, they are concerned that routine calling of the 111 emergency number following earthquakes could stop genuine emergency calls getting through.

Following this morning’s earthquake in Wellington, there were media reports of a number of calls to 111.  These calls should be made in a genuine emergency, by people needing ambulance, fire or police responses. 

Radio will be used by civil defence and emergency management organisation to broadcast safety information if the situation requires it.  Turn on a radio and listen to a local station.  Talkback stations can be useful for finding out about earthquakes, particularly during the night.  

The best way to respond is to be prepared ahead of any emergency.    People should be prepared to respond safely and cope on their own after an emergency for at least 3 days.    Know the safe places in your home to shelter in a strong earthquake, and make sure children also know how to be safe.   Store drinking water and food and have a good plan for coping after a major event.

People who live along the coast should take some time now to learn more about the tsunami risk for their area and have their own plans in place.  This will include listening to broadcasts on radio.

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