Get Ready Week

This week is Get Ready Week, the perfect time for all of us to make sure we’re prepared for an emergency. Over the week we have been promoting the different ways you can stay informed during an emergency- which radio stations to listen to, which website and social media to follow, the importance of getting to know your neighbours and checking if you can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts.

Radio

If the power goes out, a solar or battery powered radio (or your car radio) can help you keep up to date with the latest news. In an emergency tune in to these stations: • Radio New Zealand • Newstalk ZB • The Hits • Radio Live • MoreFM The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) have an agreement with these stations that means they’ll broadcast all of the messages you need to know in an emergency regularly.

Online

Social media has become one of MCDEM’s most powerful tools to keep communities connected during a national disaster.

For all local emergencies, our Facebook page (Manawatu District Council) is the place to go for all of the latest and most accurate information as well as our local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s website and Facebook page Civil Defence Manawatu Wanganui. For all national updates, make sure you are following the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management on social media.

Get to know your neighbours

There’s strength in numbers. In an emergency, you can work with your neighbours to get through. Neighbourhood Support Groups bring local people together to create safe, supported and connected communities. Join at neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz or call 0800 463 444.

Emergency Mobile Alerts

If there’s a serious threat to your life, health or property, you could receive an Emergency Mobile Alert on your mobile phone. There is no need to sign up or download an app, but you do need to check whether your phone is capable of receiving the alerts at civildefence.govt.nz.

Have you and your family made an emergency plan? You never know when you might need one. Visit www.happens.nz/make-a-plan/

It’s all part of keeping Manawatū safe and informed.