Civil defence chiefs say, don't rely on us - save yourselves

Auckland's civil defence chiefs last night launched a blunt new approach to try to get people prepared for an emergency.

Their message: don't rely on us to save you - save yourselves.

A brochure suggesting ways to do that - including drawing up a household plan - has been produced for mass circulation by the eight local authorities and the Red Cross.

They expect a keen response to their self-help message considering the high awareness created by the spate of disasters and emergencies both overseas and in the Bay of Plenty.

"Quietly, for seven years, we have been working away on emergency plans and now the spotlight is on us and people are wanting to know how organised we are," said regional civil defence chairman Neil Morrison.

"They are asking, who do you get advice from?"

He said the brochure outlined the key things for someone to better prepare themselves and their family by thinking about hazards and risks and working out a response plan.

People should know that they could be on their own for up to three days.

Accordingly, they should hold three days' supply of food and water, cooking fuel, first aid kit and torches and a battery-powered radio.

A "get away" kit in case of evacuation would have family documents, medication, towels and soap.

Mr Morrison said the Auckland region would experience man-made disasters such as power and water failure and natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and cyclones. "It's not a question of if - it's when."

Support for the brochure came last night from Aucklander Glen Green, who recalled the panic and shock when the London hotel where he worked suddenly became a treatment centre for victims of the bombings in July.

"There had been fear of bombings in London for two or three years but when it happened we had no plan, nothing came out to prepare us for it," he said.

Be prepared

Keep on the fridge a drawing of your house plan which shows:

* Where your emergency kit is.

* The safest way out of the house.

* Gas, water and electricity mains and how to turn them off.

* A meeting place.

* Neighbours' contact details.