New Civil Defence resources for blind

Blind and partially sighted people will be able to better help themselves in emergencies thanks to a new resources being made available in formats they can use.

They will be able to use special readers, software and electronic braille readers to access Civil Defence information and more information available on the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's (RNZFB) telephone information service and on cassette.

The new interactive, electronic resource was aimed at improving understanding of the types of hazards that could happen in New Zealand, with Civil Defence advice on what to do to be better prepared, said Civil Defence director of emergency management John Hamilton.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and RNZFB collaborated on the project.

Civil Defence Minister John Carter said it was vital that all New Zealanders had access to potentially life-saving information on how to be ready for, and also what to do to respond to a disaster event.

Following last year's Canterbury earthquake it became apparent how important it was to be able to talk to all members of the community and to have information available in formats that suit different needs, he said.

Last year Civil Defence developed a similar resource for the deaf and hearing impaired.

The resource is available from RNZFB and as audio files on the ministry's public education website, www.getthru.govt.nz.

- NZPA