Civil Defence Overview

The Role of Civil Defence

Civil Defence is a system of mobilising the full resources of the community to cope with disasters. A civil defence emergency is declared, usually by the Mayor, when a disaster is so large that normal emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) cannot cope adequately and the safety of the public is at risk. Civil Defence aims to prevent, reduce, or overcome any hazard or harm or loss to the public or property that may be associated with any emergency.

Where to find information in an emergency

Regular updates will be issued to the public through the media. You should have the television on and listen to your radio in the event of an emergency.

Taupo District Emergency Management Team are based at Taupo District Council. During an emergency the Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre would normally be set up in the Council building.

The Council will also activate the Civil Defence section of its website with relevant updates and links to other useful sites.

Ring 111

If you are in danger or need help - ring 111

Prepare a Survival Kit

In an emergency you should have enough supplies for you and your family to manage for at least 3 days on your own. Your survival kit should include the following as a minimum:

torch and spare batteries
battery radio (there's probably one in your car)
food & water for at least 3 days
warm/waterproof outdoor clothing
toilet paper, plastic bags, bucket, disinfectant
alternative means of cooking (camp stove, gas cooker, barbeque)
important documents (Will, Insurance, Passport etc)
first aid kit
essential medicines
any special needs of the people in your house (baby needs, hearing aids, special dietary requirements etc)
blankets/sleeping bags

Everything in your kit, especially the blankets and clothing, should be packed in leakproof plastic bags to keep them dry.

Important Things to Think About

How you would cope if you had to suddenly leave your home?
would your family be okay?
how you would get along if you had to stay indoors for three days or more, perhaps without power & water
what you would do in a flood, dangerous gas leak or earthquake?

These are all possible within the Taupo area.

Action Plan:

Your action plan should include finding out about local hazards that may affect you. Civil Defence Emergency information for homes and workplaces include developing a household emergency plan - this includes: how to turn off gas, power and water; where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm; how to reunite your family; alternative accommodation for you and your family; insurance.
Making your house safe
Preparing an Emergency Kit
Talking to your neighbours - join Neighbourhood Support

Local Body Responsibility

Every city or district Council is required by the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 to plan for emergencies. The council must also maintain a Civil Defence organisation and appoint someone to be a Civil Defence controller. The controller assumes control of the response effort once a Civil Defence emergency is declared.

Emergency Shelters

Civil Defence will open emergency shelters (called Welfare Centres) if required in or near the disaster area. Residents will be advised to report to these centres if they need assistance. Services provided include food, clothing, disaster information, support, advice, a means of communication (especially important if phones are not working), First Aid and temporary accommodation. These centres are staffed by local volunteers.

Civil Defence volunteers

Civil Defence volunteers respond to emergencies in their area, warning people and opening shelters for residents who need to be evacuated.

Are you interested in joining your local Civil Defence team?

If so contact our Emergency Management Officer at Taupo District Council on 07 376 0803.

Businesses also need to prepare for emergencies

Emergency Management is an important issue for responsible employers. Owners and managers of all organisations and businesses need to take steps now to ensure they are prepared by putting a plan in place for emergencies. The plan should outline emergency procedures and responses including safety requirements such as building safety standards, fire evacuation procedures, occupational safety and health, personal safety and security procedures.

Contact Phil Parker (Emergency Management Officer) on 07 376 0803 for more information

Key risks for Taupo District

Storms Tropical storms, tornados and storm surges bring torrential rain, floods, strong winds and also tide fluctuations. Prepare your survival kit and secure any loose furniture or roofing and if you are in danger of flood, be prepared to flee to higher ground.

Earthquakes Earthquakes can not be predicted so you will need to prepare beforehand. Have your survival kit ready, secure heavy furniture and make sure you have earthquake insurance. During an earthquake DO NOT run outside but take cover under a table, or in a doorway. If you are in an elevator get out immediately.

Volcanic eruption Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngaurahoe and Mt Tongariro are active volcanoes and there is a risk of eruption. During an eruption turn off electricty and gas, stay indoors or cover your head, mouth and eyes if you must go outside. Ashfall will cause major problems in our district in an eruption and will be a health hazard as well as potentially contaminating water supplies and blocking roads. Clear ash from cars and roofs if it is safe to do so, ensure you have a clean supply of water and try not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Tsunamis and Seiche Tsunamis will not normally be a problem in the Taupo district, however we could be at risk for a seiche. A seiche could be caused by a major landslide which slips into the lake causing a big splash which could result in a large wave travelling across the lake. If there is a strong earthquake or landslide leave the beach or river immediately and move to higher ground, or at least one kilometre inland.

Lahar The tephra dam at Mt Ruapehu crater lake has a history of collapsing and causing a lahar to flow down the mountain. The natural path of the lahar is well documented and there are warning systems in place however if a lahar occurs without warning it can be dangerous for trampers and campers in the Whangaehu Valley and surrounding areas. Warning signs are in place and those entering this area are warned to be aware of the risk of lahar.