Civil Defence

We cannot prevent disasters, but we can take some simple steps to be prepared if there is an emergency.

Your home or business could be seriously damaged as a result of a disaster.  Could you survive on your own for three days or more?

Receiving Information In An Emergency

In an emergency, the radio is your prime source of information.  Make sure you always have a battery-operated radio in case of a power cut.

TimesFM........................FM 89.9
National Radio.............FM 101.4 OR AM 756
Newstalk ZB.................FM 89.4
Classic Hits..................FM 97.4
MoreFM..........................FM 91.8
Radio Live.....................FM 100.6 OR AM 702

 Develop An Emergency Plan

• Develop a household emergency plan which includes:  
•  Where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm.
• Who is responsible for checking essential items in your Emergency Survival Kit.
• How to turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains.
•  How to maintain contact with each other during an emergency.
• How to contact your local civil defence organisation for assistance during an emergency.  

Your kit should contain:  

Emergency Items
	First Aid Kit and essential medicines Spare toilet paper and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet Pet supplies Waterproof torches and spare batteries Radio and spare batteries Check the batteries every 3 months

Emergency Clothing
	Wind proof and rainproof Sun hats Blankets or sleeping bags Strong shoes for outdoors

Supplies For Babies And Small Children
	Food and drink Change of clothing Favourite toy or activity

Special Supplies For Those With Disabilities
	Hearing aids Mobility aids Glasses

If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs.  

Have A First Aid Kit Prepared

To be best prepared for an emergency, you should have a complete First Aid Kit available in your home.

Alternatively if you would prefer to make your own first aid kit for use at home, use the guide below recommended by The Order of St. John.

First Aid Kit

Triangular bandages (2) Roller bandages – 50 mm (1 roll) and 75mm (2 rolls) Sterile gauze – 7.5cm x 7.5 cm (2) Adhesive wound dressing – 6cm wide x 1 metre long (1 strip) Plaster strip dressings (1 packet) Adhesive tape – 25 mm hypoallergenic (1 roll) Sterile non-adhesive pads – small (2) and large (3) Sterile eye pad (1) Eye wash container (1) Eye wash solution – saline steritube 30 ml (1) Antiseptic solution – chlorhexidine steritube 30 ml (4) Safety pins (1 card) Scissors (1 pair) Splinter forceps (1 pair) Disposable gloves (2 pair) Accident register and pencil First aid manual Card listing local emergency numbers

Have A Getaway Kit Prepared

Everyone in your family should have a small bag for a Getaway Kit, ready for evacuation. Most of the items are part of your Emergency Survival Kit. Other items include: 

• Family documents (birth/marriage certificates, drivers' licences, passports, family photos and insurance policies.)
• Personal hygiene items (towels/soap & toothbrushes, and a change of clothes).  

Tsunami Warning System

The following signals will be used during an actual Tsunami threat. 

ALERT SIGNAL ( dash – dash – dot – dot ) sounded for 15 minutes

Used to notify residents that a Tsunami threat has been received by Rodney Civil Defence.  Residents should respond to hearing this signal by:

• Evacuating beaches
• Listening to the radio / TV for information
• Preparing to evacuate their homes/ businesses if required

EVACUATE SIGNAL (dot-dot-dot) sounded in continuous burst for 15 minutes

Used when a specific threat to Rodney’s coastline has been confirmed. Residents should respond to this signal by:

• Evacuating immediately to the nearest high ground
• Avoiding using personal transport (e.g. cars) unless absolutely essential, as this may cause congestion

ALL CLEAR signal ( a continuous tone for 5 minutes)

Used to notify that the threat of a Tsunami has passed. Residents response to hearing this signal should be to:

• Return to their home/business if not affected
• Follow the directions of the emergency services if your area has been affected. 

Civil Defence Free Text Notification

If you are a Rodney resident, you can register to receive text message notifications of Civil Defence emergencies which will be sent direct to your mobile phone.

Text messages will only be sent in the event of a tsunami, a potential local emergency such as a cyclone or when a Civil Defence Emergency is likely to be declared.

The service is free. 

In article printed in the Rodney Times (17 November 2009) it was printed that if you register for the service through your mobile phone there will be a one-off 50c registration fee.  This was a mistake and it's free to register from your phone.

To register, text OPTNRDCD to 2678.  

Alternatively you can register by downloading and signing the permission form available and sending it to Rodney District Council by fax (09 426 7280) or post; Private Bag 500, Orewa 0946.

Volunteer for the Civil Defence

Civil Defence is always looking for volunteers.  If you would be interested in volunteering please call the Rodney District Council on 0800 426 5169.