Canterbury earthquake reminder to be prepared
As the recent events in Canterbury have so starkly reminded us an earthquake can strike at any time with devastating effect.
As the long process of recovery and rebuilding begins on behalf of Local Government New Zealand I would like to offer our support to the region and congratulations to those involved for managing the situation in such a professional and coordinated manner.
Since the earthquake the Christchurch City and Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils have been inundated with offers of support and help from councils across the country and the affected councils are now working together on a coordinated response. While the response may take some time your offers are greatly appreciated and many will be taken up.
While we might not know when a disaster like that which happened in Canterbury will strike it is something all territorial authorities must be prepared for.
Just as individuals and families need to be prepared for an earthquake, territorial authorities also have an important preparation role to protect our communities. Both community safety and business continuity should be drivers for councils.
The relevance of disaster preparedness can not be over estimated and councils must play a role in leading their communities, on an issue not high on the political or community agenda.
The professional and coordinated response to the earthquake in Canterbury is a testament to the planning and preparation undertaken by the territorial authorities across the region together with partner organisations such as police, civil defence, health services and many more.
Together with the Department of Building and Housing city and district councils across the country have been working on a review of the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policies which have been in place for the past four years.
The intention of the earthquake prone building policies is to ensure our towns and communities are safe in the event of an earthquake. I liken the policies to having seatbelts in cars - an everyday action to mitigate the rare event of risk.
While we can never know for sure when a major earthquake may strike the importance of being prepared can not be over estimated.
For the latest information in the situation in Christchurch visit the Christchurch City Council website or check out the Civil Defence website. The Environment Canterbury website also has a range of information on the situation in the Canterbury region.
Posted 6 September 2010
