If you were called to evacuate your home and had only a few minutes to do so, would you know what to take? Would you have it ready? What if a natural disaster meant you ended up trapped in your home? If help was three days away and you were without electricity or phone, would you be able to survive?
New way to get Civil Defence information in an emergency
March 2009 - The Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has an entirely new way to communicate with the public.
The new website, www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz, has an innovative feature that allows the public to subscribe to emergency updates. It is also clearer, simpler to navigate, and more visually appealing.
In addition to the emergency updates, the new website has an emergency status page, which brings together information from around the region using live feeds from transport, power companies, regional media, and regional weather, as well as advice from Civil Defence. This information is contained on one page to give the public an idea of what effect an emergency is having on the infrastructure most important to them.
The public can also subscribe to emergency updates, so that when the emergency status changes; or Civil Defence has new information or advice for the public during an event, it can be emailed directly to them.
Civil Defence general info
The Civil Defence organisation for the district is based at Council' s Pukekohe office and manned in times of emergency by Council Staff. For matters relating to Civil Defence call Customer Services on 09 237 1300 or Andy Baker - Civil Defence Officer - phone 027 286 5754.
For information on Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group follow this link.
Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
Influenza A H1N1
As the threat of H1N1 'swine flu' increases, Franklin households should ensure they are ready and will be able to 'get thru' in the event of a pandemic.
Have A Plan
During a pandemic, you or your family may be so sick that you need to stay at home for several weeks.
Make a plan with family and friends so it includes:
• Who could help with food and supplies if you and your household are ill.
• The telephone numbers of people who live near you, as well as your doctor’s phone number (keep this in a place that is easy to see, eg, on the fridge door).
• An emergency supplies kit – check out the one on this page
Build Up Your Emergency Supplies Kit
• Have a supply of food and drinks to last for at least a week. Choose long-lasting foods in cans and packets, and dried foods.
• Paracetamol is good for aches and pains, and for reducing high temperatures. Don’t use anything else for children unless you talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
• Masks worn by sick people can help stop the spread of germs. You can buy masks from a pharmacy (or from a hardware store). If there is a pandemic, people will be told how and when to use their masks. A mask can be worn only for a short time, and needs changing when wet from sneezing and coughing.
• Have tissues (or toilet paper) and plastic bags for used tissues.
• Think about things to do, if you and your family have to stay home for more than a week (eg, books, games and videos).
See below for a more detailed emergency check list.
Hygiene Tips
• Washing and drying your hands properly is one of the best ways of protecting yourself against the spread of germs.
Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or an alcohol-based rub. Drying hands well is important too.
• Wash and dry hands:
before preparing food and eating
after coughing or sneezing, blowing
noses, wiping children’s noses, visiting the toilet or looking after sick people.
• Keep your coughs and sneezes covered. Put tissues straight into a covered, lined rubbish bin or a plastic bag.
• Try to stay a metre away from sick people to reduce the spread of germs.
More information on influenza and planning for an influenza pandemic is available at moh.govt.nz or you can call Healthline 0800 611116.
Ministry of Health
Household Emergency Checklist
In most emergencies, you should be able to stay at home. In this situation, you may have to rely on your Emergency Survival Items.
The Emergency Items should include:
• Torch with spare batteries
• Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every three months)
• A change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet supplies
• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
• Face and dust masks
Food and water for at least three days
• Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
• Bottled water (at least 3 litres per person, per day for drinking)
• Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
• A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
• A can opener
• Check and replace food and water every twelve months.
Supplies for babies and small children
• Food, formula and drink
• Change of clothing and nappies
• Toys or favourite activity
Assemble everything you need for your Emergency Survival Items and place it somewhere that is easy to get to in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your house knows where your Emergency Survival Items are kept. If you prefer to keep some of your Emergency Survival Items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.