CIMS Building Capacity: In 2022, we are introducing a new training package – CIMS: Building Capability. This package of training will be undertaken over a six-month period and will ...
What your emergency kit should contain
Are you prepared? Do you have a fully stocked emergency or disaster kit you can rely on to keep you going when the unexpected happens? Together with a well stocked first aid kit (masks, gloves, ...
Contact in an Emergency
Will your home phone work in an emergency?
If an emergency causes a power outage, will you and your loved ones be able to use your phone to call 111? If you have a home phone on new technology, you might qualify for extra support under the 111 Contact Code from your telecommunications provider. View this tip sheet on using your home phone during an emergency: https://bit.ly/3wQRNBXCOVID-19
Updates on COVID-19 can be found on the Government COVID-19 website.
NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency)
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
NEMA was established as part of the Government’s response to a Ministerial review into better responses to natural disasters and other emergencies.
NEMA ...
CIMS 3rd Edition
As an NZQA Category 1 Training Provider, we deliver tailored training which can include assessment for NZQA Unit Standards – CIMS Levels 3, 4, 5 & 6. The CIMS 3rd edition is an updated resource ...
WREMO – Earthquake Planning Guide
Did you know that the WREMO have many community resources on their website? The Earthqake Planning Guide is just one of these and it is available in 17 different languages and also as an audio guide. This guide helps you prepare your family, whanau and those around you to get through the first few days after an earthquake or major weather incident. Being ready is the key. So how about taking a minute to click on this link and read through your guide with neighbours, family and friends.
National Disaster Resilience Strategy
This strategy came into effect on the 10th April 2019. The role of the strategy is to set out the goals and objectives for civil defence, emergency management over the next 10 years.
The strategy can be downloaded from the MCDEM Website.
School Lockdowns
A lock down occurs where there is an identified risk and a need to contain and protect people. They are an important part of school ...
Deaf Communities – Emergency Information
Deaf communities will have improved access to emergency information as the result of a Memorandum Of Understanding between the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand. This MoU will provide a foundation for the two agencies to improve information before, during and after an emergency.
Up until now majority of the information shared about emergencies is done in media interviews, on TV and at Public Meetings. In the event of a major emergency it is important that everyone be ready and able to follow any advise given. Civil Defence and Deaf Aotearoa will work together to get New Zealand Sign Language interpreting used in emergencies where practicable – and to jointly create emergency preparedness resources.
Click here to read full article from Hon Kris Faafoi
Click here to go to Deaf Aotearoa website
McDEM – Emergency Mobile Alert
If your life, health or property is in serious danger, an Emergency Mobile Alert could be sent to your mobile phone. The alerts are sent using cell broadcast technology, so there is no need to sign up or download an app. They can also be targeted to affected areas, so you will only get them if the emergency is in your area.
Emergency Mobile Alert messages can only be sent by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
If your phone is on, capable of receiving them and inside the targeted area, you should get the alerts. You can find out whether your phone can receive the alerts at civildefence.govt.nz.
Emergency Mobile Alert messages do not replace other emergency alerts. They are an additional way of warning you, along with other channels. Take immediate action. Not all phones are capable of receiving the alerts, so if you receive an alert, let others know. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Read more …..
Drones in disaster zones could prove a lifesaver
Pioneering research from the University of South Australia has shown for the first time that drones can be used to detect human vital signs in war zones and natural disasters.
Under a collaborative agreement with the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, UniSA researchers have successfully trialled unmanned aerial vehicles to measure heart and respiratory rates using remote-sensing imaging systems, while hovering three metres from humans.
Video footage from the drones can detect changes in human skin tone and minute head movements to read vital signs, providing a low cost, accurate and convenient way to monitor heart rates without physical restrictions, researchers say.
The breakthrough could have many applications, including triaging disaster victims in earthquakes, detecting security and terrorism threats at airports, and remotely monitoring heart rates of premature babies in incubators.
Under the supervision of Professor Javaan Chahl, UniSA PhD students Ali Al-Naji and Asanka Perera carried out a number of experiments with 15 healthy individuals, ranging in age from 2-40 years, in both indoor and outdoor settings, and within close range of the drones.
The results were as accurate as traditional contact methods – ECGs, pulse oximeters and respiratory belts – that are currently used to monitor vital signs.
“This is the first time that video from a hovering UAV has been used to measure cardiorespiratory signals,” Chahl says.
The experiments were performed within three metres of humans but researchers expect the drones to capture information at much greater distances once the technology is further developed.
Heart monitors
The drones could help detect potential terrorists in public spaces, merely by measuring anomalies in their heart rates, according to Chahl, a Professor of Sensor Systems in UniSA’s School of Engineering.
“A person who is about to engage in violence will probably have anomalous behaviour and physiological signs.
“They might be highly agitated or unnaturally calm and in many cases they might be under the influence of drugs.
“There is a good chance that our system can detect these anomalies.”
In the developing world, expensive disposable electrodes could also be replaced with this technology to monitor vital signs remotely and eliminate the temptation to reuse the electrodes which can spread horrific skin infections between neonatal infants.
Aged care facilities may also benefit from the imaging systems which could be placed in strategic locations to monitor older people’s heart and breathing rates, Chahl adds.
“Obviously there are privacy and ethical issues around this technology that need to be resolved before it becomes common practice, but there is enormous potential to use machine vision systems to benefit society, particularly in the biomedical sphere.
“I expect we will be using this software in everyday life in the next decade.”
Source: Asia Pacific Infrastructure
Mini-relaxation exercises: A quick fix in stressful moments
When you’ve got one minute
Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation.
Or alternatively, while sitting comfortably, take a few slow deep breaths and quietly repeat to yourself “I am” as you breathe in and “at peace” as you breathe out. Repeat slowly two or three times. Then feel your entire body relax into the support of your chair.
When you’ve got two minutes
Count down slowly from 10 to 0. With each number, take one complete breath, inhaling and exhaling. For example, breathe in deeply, saying “10” to yourself. Breathe out slowly. On your next breath, say “nine”, and so on. If you feel lightheaded, count down more slowly to space your breaths further apart. When you reach zero, you should feel more relaxed. If not, go through the exercise again.
When you’ve got three minutes
While sitting, take a break from whatever you’re doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your sides. Allow your hands to loosen so there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly.
Source: Harvard Health Publications
Commercial building owners & earthquake-prone buildings (EPBs)
Source: Duncan Cotterill partner Paul Calder via Property and Build
The new national framework for managing earthquake-prone buildings (EPBs) that became effective on 1 July 2017 has brought several changes.
These include a national register, new forms of EPB notice that must be displayed prominently on all EBPs and set time frames for assessment and strengthening.
Councils, engineers and commercial building owners are each assigned key responsibilities in connection with the implementation of the new system. These can be summarised as follows:
- The initial identification of EPBs by councils do not involve a detailed engineering assessment of the buildings.
- Councils are required to look at building
...
Reserve Bank sets out its stance on cyber security
Source: Sunday Star Times
Firms in the finance sector, regulators, and other authorities all have a part to play in managing cyber security risks, a Reserve Bank executive said.
They can take on this challenge while still benefiting from the opportunities of new financial technology, said Reserve Bank Head of Prudential Supervision, Toby Fiennes, in a speech delivered to the Future of Financial Services conference, in Auckland.
“The dynamic cyber environment means organisations have to be nimble in their approach to cyber security – focused on outcomes, rather than prescriptive compliance exercises,” said Fiennes.
He said that cyber-attack poses a significant threat to the global financial system, as shown by the ‘WannaCry’ ransom-ware attack that affected more than 200,000 systems around the world and the more recent ‘Notpetya’ attack.
“The nature and incidence of cyber risk is unique, meaning that typical approaches to risk management and disaster recovery planning may not be appropriate. While cyber vulnerabilities can be mitigated, the potential sources of cyber threats and the attack footprint are just too broad, so they can never be eliminated,” Fiennes said.
The Reserve Bank had thought about whether to introduce more prescriptive requirements but decided not to at this stage.
“We doubt that prescriptive regulations would appreciably improve the outcome, when the technology and threat landscape are both changing so rapidly. We will, however, review this policy stance from time-to-time to ensure that it remains appropriate,” Fiennes said.
“The Reserve Bank is closely watching the emerging wave of ‘digital disruption’ affecting the financial sector as firms react to customer demand for a more online experience. In the short term, digital disruption may result in new risks and increased instability in the financial system but in the long term, digital disruption of the banking sector may improve the efficiency of the financial system. The long-term impact on financial system soundness is less clear. Read more.
Cell broadcast alerting
Source: Beehive Media Release
The implementation of a new nationwide channel for sending alerts about emergencies to mobile phones is on track to be up and running by the end of the year.
Cell broadcast alerting is a new way of sending information to mobile phones in a set area without people needing to download an app or subscribe to a service.
The alerts will appear similar to text messages. They are received automatically and for free by all cell broadcast enabled mobile phones in the area,” former Civil Defence Minister Mr Brownlee said.
“Discussions with New Zealand’s major telecommunications companies are progressing well and we expect to have contracts signed in the coming weeks.
“Once the cell broadcast alerting system is up and running, an alert will be sent out to mobile phones through the cell towers in the affected areas in the event of an emergency.
“As no technology is 100 per cent failsafe or equally useful in all conditions and emergencies, multiple channels will continue to be used to send alerts when emergencies happen.
“These channels include radio, television, websites, various social media, smartphone apps, sirens and others.”
Read more here.
Rural alliance fronting suicide prevention training
Source: Safety News
Some 185 farmers took their lives between 2007-15, compared with 8 per cent in the general population.
Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) chair Dr Martin London says RHAANZ and Pasifika community support Le Va are two organisations that have been specifically funded by the Ministry of Health to upskill community groups and health professionals in suicide prevention strategies.
“Our focus is to upskill our rural health professionals and social service workers.
“We would also like to pay a little kudos to the Ministry of Health.
“In the last year, RHAANZ provided 50 workshops across regional communities upskilling them in how to talk directly about suicide with people they love and care for.”
The workshops were a resounding success, London claims. Read more here.
National code for quake-prone buildings leaves owners with less time, tighter rules
Source: Stuff news
Owners could be left with less time and tighter rules in bringing quake-prone buildings up to code as national regulations are overhauled.
The changes, which begin on Saturday, will take decision-making away from territorial authorities with their own guidelines and create a single, national policy.
The Building Amendment Act 2016 sets a standardised time limit for the strengthening or demolition of quake-prone buildings to take place.
Regions will be divided into areas of low, medium and high seismic risk and deadlines will differ accordingly.
In Marlborough, a region deemed high risk, some building owners could be given two-and-a-half years less than under council rules to complete obligatory upgrades. Read more here.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) – video
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was established on 1 July 2017. It is the amalgamation of the New Zealand Fire Service, the National Rural Fire Authority, 12 enlarged rural fire ...
Care box for people contemplating suicide
Source: Nicholas McBride at Stuff
A care box is being developed to help people in times of high stress.
A young woman who has struggled with her own mental health is hoping to develop a care box to help others when they are contemplating suicide.
Massey University student Shailah Anderson hopes a self-help care package will get people through crucial hours or days.
Anderson, 22, said in a mental health crisis, time could be crucial.
Massey University student Shailah Anderson hopes a self-help care package will help people through tough times.
“It’s designed to buy time when someone is alone at night or waiting for an appointment in case they don’t think they can make it through the next hour or day.”
The packages will contain an array of sensory items such as perfume and stress balls, to distract the hands and mind.
Anderson said she had experienced both good and bad mental healthcare and was concerned by delays.
“I’ve found that mental health services often require people to be at a certain level of distress before they step in and that can be dangerous.”
The care package is part of a practical help project through the national Tuia Tangatahi leadership programme run by the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs.
The project aligned with her studies and her own experiences with mental health issues and gaps in mental health care.
Anderson also wanted to make it easier for people to connect with the right help.
The Manawatu/Horowhenua Mental Health Directory could be overwhelming at 100 pages, so she hoped to develop an app to match people to the most suitable services to them.
Mental Health Foundation spokeswoman Sophia Graham said while it was not a replacement for talking with professionals, boxes could still help. “Anything that gives people the tools they need to cope in a heightened state of crisis is going to be a good thing.”
People did not stay in high states of distress for long periods and could use things as a distraction to get through. “We know they provide a bit of a distraction, something for the brain to do.”
Even simple things could help people hold on. “You get a care box from someone who cares for you. Knowing someone cares about you is a real boon to your mental health.”
Being based on Anderson’s own experiences gave the idea more credence, Graham said.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Lifeline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) – 0800 611 116
Samaritans (open 24/7) – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Youthline (open 24/7) – 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
0800 WHATSUP children’s helpline – phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day.
Kidsline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
Your local Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation’s free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).
– Stuff
How to protect your computer from Petya and other ransonware
The latest computer virus that is similar to Wannacry has spread very quickly across Europe overnight and could arrive in New Zealand at any time. It is a type of ...
Family Preparedness – Safety Password
Source: The New Zealand Herald.
An Upper Hutt child escaped a possible abduction attempt because a stranger did not know the password his mother used when sending people to pick him up from school.
...
New workplace safety laws bring drop in accidents
This is an example of reduction part of emergency management.
Businesses are reaping the benefits from changes to workplace health and safety legislation. One year on from changes to workplace health and safety legislation, a Nelson compliance expert says the region’s businesses and employees are reaping the benefits. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 came into force on April 4 last year and replaced the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. Source: Tim O’Connell at Stuff. Check out the full article here.
The bill is part of the package of changes that have been introduced following the Pike River tragedy and subsequent reviews which observed a poor health and safety record in New Zealand. According to Worksafe NZ figures, 316 people died in New Zealand workplace incidents reported between 2011 and May 25, 2017 – an average of 45 annually. The worst year during that period was 2013 when 57 people died.
So far in 2017, 22 fatalities have occurred, with Waikato (4) Canterbury, Gisborne and Northland (3 each) the main regions impacted. No deaths have occurred at a Nelson or Tasman workplace this year, although 12 deaths were reported between 2011 and 2016. According to Worksafe’s Towards 2020 document, NZ was making positive progress towards the target reductions for fatal and serious non-fatal injury.
Fatal work-related injuries are at the lowest rate since the data series began in 2002 with 2.2 fatal injuries per 100,000 fulltime equivalent employees, as were serious non-fatal work-related injuries, with 15 injuries per 100,000. This rate has decreased each year since 2011. Work-related injuries resulting in more than a week away from work are currently sitting above the 2020 target of 8.4 at 11.9 per 1000 fulltime equivalent employees.
Despite some progress, WorkSafe estimate data suggested that New Zealand’s fatal injury rate remained higher in comparison to Australia and the United Kingdom. Nelson-based health and safety consultant Peter Fisher has been involved with workplace compliance for more than 40 years, both independently and with the Department of Labour. Fisher said the current legislation was “sitting where it should be”, although some improvements could be made towards having clearer definitions around serious harm in some areas. Read more.
200 people relocating for Kaikōura jobs
Source: Chris Hutching at Stuff
The first of NCTIR’s prefabricated accommodation units to house workers on road and rail projects around Kaikōura arrived this week as more ground is prepared. Workers are pouring into Kaikōura for the earthquake rebuild as employment agency Turbo Staff sets up an office there. Turbo Staff provides workers for construction companies around New Zealand and is focusing on Kaikōura as rebuild work begins to accelerate there. Founding director Ihaka Rongonui said he had 25 staff at Kaikōura already and expected to have up to 200 relocating there over the next 18 months.
Read more on Stuff
Helpful tips and advice for New Zealanders affected by earthquakes
After the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes, Mental Health NZ compiled a useful list of resources to help guide people through earthquakes and aftershocks.
Tips for coping after an earthquake
Mental Health Foundation (2016)
A short list of things to do that can make you and others feel better under exceptional circumstances.
Take care of your children but don’t forget yourself
Mental Health Foundation (2016)
It’s not always possible to judge if or when children are scared or worried about things happening in their life They may be reluctant to talk about their fears or may not be aware of how they are being affected by the things happening to them and around them. Parents can look for clues as to how their child is reacting.
Earthquake stress information in different languages
Canterbury DHB (2011)
Following such immensely upsetting events, people understandably feel distressed. Read about common responses to an earthquake, coping mechanisms and reactions from children.
When the quakes go on and on
Skylight (2012)
Strategies for self-care when the after-shocks keep coming and nothing is certain.
Wellbeing
...
New Zealand Underwater Association
New Zealand Underwater Association is a not-for-profit organisation leading New Zealand’s underwater community in recreational and sporting activities. Its mission is to be the lead organisation for promoting and advocating safe and enjoyable underwater activities in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Underwater Association would like to remind those undertaking diving or similar activities on the water of the following important safety messages:
- Always dive under a Dive Flag; this needs to be a minimum of 600mmx600mm in size and should ONLY be flown when people are in the water. As a skipper or driver
...
Canterbury earthquake memorial
Wellington region updates tsunami warning maps after recent earthquake
Tsunami warning maps. An excellent resource of updated maps from Wremo via Stuff. Check out the full article here.
WREMO/SUPPLIED
An updated collection of tsunami warning maps for the Wellington region have been published on the Civil Defence website, after previous versions left some residents confused and frustrated.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (Wremo) updated the maps to better reflect the areas most at risk of tsunami damage after a large earthquake.
It has also boosted the online accessibility of the maps, making them available in .jpg and printable .pdf formats.
Click here for an interactive map.
Map showing central Wellington’s tsunami zones.
The newly available maps now cover the entire coastline, rather than just central areas. They also build on newly acquired scientific knowledge uncovered since the maps were last created, “some years ago”.
READ MORE:
* PDF tsunami maps inadequate during time of crisis
*
Prepared Kids & Cyber bullying
Devereux-Blum Training Director Sharyn thinks learning cyber safety is an important part of being a Prepared Kid. Children today are referred to as ‘digital natives’ as they can access many forms of technology. They adapt quickly to new ways of communicating like Instagram and Snapchat (forget Facebook, that’s old school according to teens). Take the example of one of our office administrator’s children who recently broke her arm in the playground. When the nurse applying the cast asked: “any questions?”, the child asked: “can I still use technology?” How can we ensure our children are safe on the internet?
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.8";
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));
Research done reported that 1 in 5 New Zealand high school students are being cyber-bullied. Targets of cyber bullying often say that it makes them feel scared, depressed, angry or ashamed. The impact of cyber bullying often has more of an impact than physical bullying due to its relentlessness.
Susan McLean, an expert in cyber safety, recently gave 2 talks to Scots College children. (Kapi-Mana News 12/7/16). Her top tips were:
- Be aware, be educated and be involved. Knowledge is power
...
Risk Communication
By Sharyn Devereux-Blum, Director.
At a June conference with a group of like-minded people, we explored the use of language during an emergency response. The question we discussed in depth was – is it appropriate to use ‘fear appeal’ if inaction/action would cause great injury to individuals and communities?
Sea-quake boost for tsunami prediction
A study of slow-motion tremor in tectonic plates is a first for scientists. This study has a big implications for New Zealand’s threat of tsunami and tsunami prediction.
Read the full article.
Read the full article.
Wellington accepted into ‘100 Resilient Cities’ programme
Wellington has been accepted into the Rockefeller Foundation global initiative ‘100 Resilient Cities’. The initiative’s goal is to increase the capacity for communities to survive, adapt and grow after emergencies. Read the full article here.
Coordinated Incident Management System – CIMS Planning Function
Planning is the function responsible for overseeing the development of response plans e.g. Action, Long Term, Contingency and Transition Plans. These unit standards are part of the CIMS Building Capability training, but can be delivered as stand-alone training. Contact Janice (janice@emergencymanagement.co.nz) to discuss further.
The unit standard for this function has been reviewed and updated and split into two unit standards:
Unit Standard 32159 ‘Demonstrate knowledge of the Planning function within the Coordinated Incident Management System and:
Unit Standard 32160 ‘ Apply knowledge of the Planning function within the Coordinated Incident Management System.
Quake overhaul targets schools & hospitals
Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith has announced sweeping changes to the Building Act amid predictions in Wellington around earthquake risk.
Auckland Tsunami Zones
Access information and maps relating to Tsunami Zones in the Auckland Region .
Click on the areas of the map to find further detailed ...
CIMS Function Manager Roles Levels 4 & 5
Gain recognised NZQA CIMS qualifications by an experienced provider on a four year external evaluation review. CIMS 5 & 6 (Coordinated Incident Management System) unit standards have been reviewed and published. Each function now has two unit standards covering levels 4 & 5. These unit standards will be worked through in our CIMS Building Capability courses. We are taking expressions of interest for this training programme. For more information contact Sharyn.
NZQA Unit Standards
| Unit Standard | Title | Level | Credits |
| Demonstrate knowledge of the Planning function within the Coordinated Incident Management System |
4 |
2 |
|
| Apply knowledge of the of the Planning process to a Coordinated Incident Management System response4 |
5 |
6 |
|
| Demonstrate knowledge of the Intelligence function within the Coordinated Incident Management System4 |
4 |
2 |
|
| Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the Intelligence function to a Coordinated Incident Management System response5 |
5 |
5 |
|
| Demonstrate knowledge of the Operations function within the Coordinated Incident Management System |
4 |
2 |
|
| Apply knowledge of the Operations function to contribute to a Coordinated Incident Management System response |
5 |
5 |
|
| Demonstrate knowledge of the Logistics within a Coordinated Incident Management System |
4 |
2 |
|
|
32166 |
Apply knowledge of the Logistics to contribute to a Coordinated Incident Management System response |
5 |
5 |
Devereux-Blum Training & Development Limited has consent to assess from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under Section 252 of the Education Act 1989 for unit standards 32158-.32166
Wellington Tsunami Zones
You can access information and maps relating to Tsunami Zones in the Wellington area in the “It’s Easy – Know your tsunami zones” booklet which you can access from the following ...
Dealing with Stress from Disasters
Dealing with Stress from Disasters
Information from Massey University’s School of Psychology on Dealing with Stress arising from Disasters is available, including Factsheets.
Factsheets cover information on the following topics. View these here.
The Stress of Being Under Threat
Common Reactions to Disasters
Stress after emergencies
Helping Children
Helping Adolescents
Families and disasters
Coping Personally – Information
...
Google Person Search
Google Person Finder is an open source ...
Staff
Information for Devereux-Blum employees during major emergencies.
This is where we’ll keep Devereux-Blum employees informed during serious emergency situations, like fire, earthquake, tsunami, massive power failure, snow storms or floods that prevent ...
Research Article
This research article on the impacts on organisations and the economy following the February Christchurch Earthquake has useful information and relevance for people regarding issues still being reflected ...
What if…? Planning for the worst case scenario
Reading and considering the learnings from Sharyn’s article which poses the question ‘What if…? Planning for the worst case scenario’ ...
Dogs – Water Requirements
We all know we have to drink fluids to stay hydrated, and perform well. That’s common sense.
But what about the dogs? What do they need to drink, and how do we give it to them?
Water is a vital component of cells and body tissue, to the point that mammals are considered at least 70% water. And in fact, when considering fluid requirements, an equivalent of one kilo of body weight to one litre of water is used.
So …. I weigh 20 kg. My body contains around 20 litres of water. Every day, I lose some, I gain some. I get quite a lot from my food, but on average I need to drink about 50ml for each kilogram I weigh. This means 20 (kg) x 50 (ml) = 1000ml = 1 litre.
I need to drink one litre a day to maintain my hydration – on a quiet day. When I’m busy (training, searching, working out) I’ll need more. I’ll also need more if I have a fever, if the ambient temperature is high, and if my diet is mainly dry food.
So how do you know if I’m dehydrated?
Firstly, in an active situation in warm temperatures, assume I probably am. I’ve got better and more interesting things to do than drink! Check my gums. Lift my upper lip and touch your fingertip to the gum over my teeth. Is it moist or tacky (sticky?) Tacky gums are one of the first signs of dehydration. (Take no notice of my nose – a wet/dry nose means very little!). If I look a bit sad and flat, or things have been full-on, grab a pinch of skin over my shoulders. Lift it up and then let go. It should drop back down in 1-3 seconds. If it takes longer, I’m getting seriously dehydrated and drinking a bit more isn’t enough. I need someone to give me fluids.
How?
By mouth – offer me water. I may not drink enough to rehydrate, but hey – my mouth will taste better.
Under the skin. Subcutaneous fluids (sub-cut, S/Q) get a lot of fluid into me, but it may take me some time to absorb them to where they’re needed. Be very careful about hygiene, and only use isotonic (same concentration as body fluid) solutions to avoid
serious damage. In the vein. IV fluids are rapidly assimilated and redistributed. They need to be given under supervision – too fast and they can kill.
Best advice
Know your dog, know its fluid requirements, and know some tricks to get it to drink when the heat is on.
Water is the fluid of choice. Dogs don’t need Powerade. Sometimes flavouring the water may make them
drink more, but clean, fresh water is what most dogs need.
Global Reach Associates
Global Reach Associates, as well as providing facititation support for the Earthquake + Natural Hazards NZ business cluster, provide specialist services to individual businesses and ...
Wellington’s Earthquake Prone Buildings
United Future leader Peter Dunne has made public Wellington City Council’s list of 808 earthquake prone ...
Seismic Restraints
Storing Drinking Water
Water is the single most important thing to store in preparation for an emergency. We can live without food for a few days but we cannot live without water. For an emergency we need to store at least ...
Managing High Profile Emergencies
The 7.1 magnitude Canterbury Earthquake on 4 September 2010 created many opportunities for us as the significance of preparing for emergencies was reinforced by mother nature. In recent days we have watched the tragedy unfold in Reefton as the Incident Management Team faced enormous pressures to mount a rescue attempt whilst the experts told them that the environment was too dangerous.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those people affected in both events.
Civil Defence Centres/ Community Emergency Hubs
Civil Defence Centres / Community Emergency Hubs provide a local point within communities where people can go to to seek help or offer help depending on their circumstances following a civil emergency. Civil Defence Centres are referred to as Welfare Centres or Community Emergency Hubs.
During a Civil Defence Emergency, the location of centres that are open are likely to be broadcast over the radio and a link will be provided on your council’s / emergency management home webpage. The following are links to the main regional Emergency Management pages
From the Wellington page, you can access the Hutt Valley, Kapiti Coast, Porirua City and Wairarapa
Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
This information is from materials created by the Emergency Survival Program (ESP) in 2006 and based on “The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety” in the handbook Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.
PREPARE
Step 1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighbourhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a “hazard hunt” to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.
Download the Secure It Now! focus sheet
Step 2: Make a plan
Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-city contact person’s name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Download the Make a Plan focus sheet
Step 3: Make Disaster
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