Hawke’s Bay people leading the way in being prepared

Hawke’s Bay people are helping to lead the country when it comes to being prepared for civil defence emergencies.

Figures just released from the 2012 New Zealand General Social Survey show 30 per cent of Hawke’s Bay people have made basic preparations for a civil defence emergency, by having a three day supply of food and water, and a household emergency plan. This is above the national average of 22 percent and up nine percent from 2008 when the last survey was done.

The region with the highest level of basic preparation was Canterbury at 40 percent – up 28 percent since the last survey, followed closely by Marlborough (36%) and then Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says this is a great result for Hawke’s Bay.
“A key part of increasing individual preparedness is a better understanding of the impacts of the natural hazards we face and events such as the Christchurch earthquakes have helped with this,” says Mr Macdonald.

He says the result also reflects are more unified approach to Civil Defence Emergency Management by Hawke’s Bay councils, with more coordinated messages and the use of common resources.

“However there is no room for complacency as we still need more people to be prepared to look after themselves for three days when a disaster occurs. The more prepared people are for an emergency the more resilient Hawke’s Bay will be.”
For more information on getting ready to get thru a civil defence emergency visit www.hbemergency.govt.nz or visit Hawke’s Bay Emergency on Facebook or Twitter.

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