Editorial: Are we all really prepared

These earthquakes are getting far too close to home. A few years ago, massive quakes that claimed the lives of dozens of people were usually something that happened in far off countries that you heard about on the world news. Then Christchurch changed all that.

Just when we are starting to feel on safer ground, the North Island is rocked by two biggish quakes in under a week.

First was late on Tuesday last week when a 7.0 magnitude quake struck, centred 60km southwest of Opunake. It was felt from the Bay of Plenty to Canterbury. In Rotorua, residents took to social networking sites to express their fears.

Then on Saturday, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck 10km south of Turangi. It was at a depth of 90km. While it was felt throughout much of the lower North Island, few felt that one in Rotorua.

The quakes have prompted timely reminders for New Zealanders to be earthquake-prepared. So are we really? Or do we just hear these messages and skim over what they really mean?

Does each and every one of us have a plan? Have we talked about it with our partners, husbands, wives, parents? What about at our places of work and schools?

At least 30,000 people in Rotorua are still unprepared for a big earthquake, according to a National Research Bureau survey of Rotorua households. Rotorua District Council is about to assess almost 1000 privately owned buildings under its Earthquake Prone Building Policy.

As part of the assessments, some businesses are in for some tough times.

We have reported Kiwibikes and Zippy Central Cafe on Pukuatua St have until July 20 to pack up and move their businesses before builders arrive to complete earthquake strengthening work.

Kiwibikes has decided to embrace the change and move out permanently, instead working out of home and operating a mobile frame-building and bike-repair service, before eventually reopening at the new Redwood Centre on the corner of Tarawera and Te Ngae Rds.

For Zippy Central Cafe fans, they will have to endure four to six weeks of ordering their coffee and some food from a temporary takeaway shop over the road, between McLeod's Booksellers and The House of Elliott.

No doubt this will be a hassle for all involved but wouldn't we rather make sure we are all safe?

What do you think?

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