Many New Zealanders are still complacent about preparing for a natural disaster, and last weekend’s tsunami is an illustration of this says Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
“Despite the tsunami warning in the wake of the Chile earthquake, some New Zealanders were still not taking the situation seriously or observing the warning,” says Simon.
“Tauranga as a coastal city is especially vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami, as well as weather related emergencies.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
“People need to know what this means and that they won’t always get a warning.”
Every household should have a plan for this eventuality, says Simon. This should include knowing where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm; knowing where you will all meet up during and after a disaster; and knowing where you have emergency survival items stored.
“When a disaster strikes there will be a time when households and communities might be isolated and without essential services,” says Simon.