Course for newcomers

Settlement Support is running a workshop on March 13 for newcomers to New Zealand on how to prepare for an emergency.

The venue is the Whitireia Community Polytechnic Lecture Theatre and the workshop runs for an hour from 10am. There is no cost to attend.

Porirua City Council emergency management officer Kerry Mcsaveney will cover the importance of having a plan in the case of an emergency. This will include knowing what your risks are and what to do in

tsunamis and earthquakes, floods.

‘‘For example, in an earthquake, the danger you face comes from falling debris and collapsing structures such as buildings and bridges,’’ Ms Mcsaveney said.

‘‘You need to be aware of these hazards to help you get through. Identify safe places in your home, school or workplace.

‘‘A safe place is under a strong table (hold onto the legs), next to an interior wall close to you; no more than a few steps or at most, two metres away.’’

She will also talk about the importance of storing water and identify the other survival items needed.

Lecture Theatre One is to the right of Entrance One.

There is free parking on Wineera Drive and a bus from Porirua Railway station stops on Titahi Bay at the Wineera Drive intersection. Anyone from the wider community is welcome to attend. For more details or to register, contact Settlement Support co- ordinator Annette Woods on 237 3578 or email awoods@pcc.govt.nz.