Earth moving experience, but were you ready?

Yesterday’s big quake should be a timely reminder to Kāpiti residents to be prepared, says Mayor Jenny Rowan, Chair of the Wellington Region Civil Defence and Emergency management Group.

“We’re lucky this big quake was deep, 230 kilometers below the earth’s surface.  If it had been shallow we could have been dealing, not only with widespread damage, but also the possibility of a tsunami being generated with little or no warning for Kāpiti Coast residents”.

Mayor Rowan says all residents should know what Tsunami zone they are in following publicity Council generated last.  She says if people are unsure they can check the council website www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Tsunami-Evacuation-Maps

“If you live in or have a business operating in the red zone and an earthquake strikes that is powerful enough to knock you down, don’t wait; move inland or to higher ground quickly.”

“I can’t emphasise enough that it is important to be prepared. After the second earthquake in Christchurch some residents didn’t have enough stored water.  People need to be stocked up with adequate water, food and emergency supplies and to have an emergency plan in place for their household and family.

Ms Rowan says this is a great time for residents, businesses and schools to register for ShakeOut, New Zealand’s largest ever national earthquake drill to be held at 9.26 on 26 September.  A similar event in California attracted over 8 million participants and New Zealand Civil Defence hopes to have over 1 million people take part. To find out how go to register go to www.getthru.govt.nz

Last night’s quake happened just two days after the official launch of the new Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO). The new organisation manages Civil Defence Emergency Management Services in support of the nine City, District, and Regional Councils of the Wellington region.  WREMO’s work is overseen by the region’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group, chaired by Mayor Rowan.