Community Preparedness

In a major emergency, official services are likely to be stretched thin and may not be able to respond to every situation right away. Emergency responders and council services will need to prioritise the most urgent calls.

In times like these, it’s up to everyone to pitch in and support each other.

Did you know that all the skills you need during a disaster are already present in your community?

Within your neighbourhood, there are people with a wide range of skills - people just like you - who can lend a hand when help is needed most.

After a disaster, it’s important to address problems close to home first.

Your top priority should be to ensure your own safety and the safety of your household.

Once you’ve done that, check in with your neighbours - if you’re able to offer help or if you need assistance yourself, reach out.

If there are others in your neighbourhood who need help or have the skills to assist, take a walk through the surrounding streets to see what can be done. Many issues can be resolved within the community, often without needing outside help.

Community Response Planning

Know your neighbours

Building strong relationships with your neighbours is more important than we often realise. Social connections offer numerous benefits, especially when it comes to responding to disasters.

When a disaster strikes, your priority is checking on yourself and your immediate surroundings, followed by your family, and then your neighbours. Here are a few reasons why getting to know your neighbours is crucial:

1. Better Mental Health:
   Socially connected individuals experience better mental health and reduced feelings of depression, thanks to the support and friendships they have within their community.
2. Access to Resources:
   Neighbours often share resources like chainsaws, lawnmowers, torches, and barbecues, which can be lifesavers in an emergency.
3. Easier Access to Information:
   Word of mouth is one of the fastest ways to spread information. A solid social network allows you to stay well-informed, whether through social media or gathering around a car radio during a crisis.
4. Community Contribution:
   People who feel a sense of belonging and purpose within their community are more likely to contribute to its well-being. They care about their neighbourhood and environment, which strengthens the community as a whole.

Getting to know your neighbours can significantly improve your ability to cope in times of need, ensuring a stronger and more resilient community.

Research shows communities that recover best from natural hazards are those that have good social networks. One of the leading researchers in this field, Daniel P. Aldrich, explains the importance of social networks in his article 'Recovering from disasters: Social networks matter more than bottled water and batteries.'

Marae Emergency Response Planning

Kia Tu Mataara
Stand ready be vigilant

The marae is central to the Māori way of life. It is the focal point for Māori who share relationships with one another as whānau, hapū, and iwi. It is central meeting place to discuss and debate matters of significance, to celebrate important occasions and also bid farewell to those who have passed away.

During an emergency, the marae can become a hub supporting the Māori community. In civil defence emergencies, marae can act as community led centres that can provide for immediate needs like shelter, overnight accommodation, catering facilities, ablutions and holistic support.

Action Plans