EQC and Civil Defence call for quake readiness

19 February 2014

EQC and Civil Defence are joining forces in the lead-up to the anniversary of the February 22 earthquake with a press and internet campaign urging people to protect what is most valuable to them – people and homes.

EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson says that while the memory of the quakes is still fresh for Cantabrians it is much easier for the rest of New Zealand to push it to the back of the mind.

“But everyone needs to have enough stored food and water for three days or more, a plan for what we will do when some of us are at home and others at work, school or elsewhere, and to make sure our homes are in the best position to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings,” he says.

The Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Hamilton, says being prepared means we and our loved ones will get through better and recover faster from natural disasters or other emergencies.

He says that the Ministry’s 2013 survey shows that 17 per cent of households in New Zealand were fully prepared which is some improvement from seven per cent in 2006. “But there is a long way to go,” he says.

To find out how to prepare and what to do before, during and after emergencies go to www.getthru.govt.nz and to find out how to protect your property go to www.eqc.govt.nz

ENDS

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