Shakeout 2024

Whakahaumaru Aotearoa

New Zealand ShakeOut is the national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

ShakeOut 2024 is happening Thursday 24 October. Sign up here

Read more

Cyclone Gabrielle

Following the events of Cyclone Gabrielle many organisations undertook reviews of how they responded to this event.  This included the Government ... 

Read more

Weather on your Mobile

MetService App This app allows you to stay up to date, no matter where you are.   This includes notifications for Red Severe Weather, Warnings and Extreme Fire Danger.  This App ... 

Read more

CIMS Building Capacity

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 include CIMS 3/CIMS 4/CIMS Level 5 (a specific function role), several desktop exercises, learning and conducting a briefing plus a one-on-one coaching session with the Trainer and a group peer group session.  Further information below. People who complete this package and achieve the NZQA unit standards 32158 / 29553 / 29554 will receive the Devereux-Blum Training & Development Certificate in Leading & Managing an Emergency. An additional unit standard based on the identified function will also be awarded.  There will be a maximum of 16 people per course.  if you would like yourself or any of your people to attend, please email your interest for our CIMS Building Capability Training Package and to book a space. Read more

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 ... 

Read more

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.

  Read more

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. Read more

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

Read more

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 ….. Read more

Drones in disaster zones could prove a lifesaver

Drone carrying emergency supplies

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 Read more

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

 ... 

Read more

Reserve Bank sets out its stance on cyber security

Reserve Bank of NZ building

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. Read more

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. Read more

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)

Old and new fire engines FENZ

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 districts ... 

Read more

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
*


 ... 

Read more

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.

 

Read more

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

32159

Demonstrate knowledge of the Planning function within the Coordinated Incident Management System

4

2

32160

Apply knowledge of the of the Planning process to a Coordinated Incident Management System response4

5

6

32161

Demonstrate knowledge of the Intelligence function within the Coordinated Incident Management System4

4

2

32162

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the Intelligence function to a Coordinated Incident Management System response5

5

5

32163

Demonstrate knowledge of the Operations function within the Coordinated Incident Management System

4

2

32164

Apply knowledge of the Operations function to contribute to a Coordinated Incident Management System response

5

5

32165

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

Read more

‘Triangle of Life’ advice resurfaces (again)

Many of our course attendees ask us what we think about the triangle of life earthquake advice circulating in cyberspace, originally generated by Doug Copp, a self-professed emergency management expert.  The triangle of life theory usually resurfaces following a major earthquake such as Haiti, or most recently Chile.

This advice has been widely discredited by leading emergency management agencies throughout the world, including New Zealand and we recommend people choose well developed, researched and official advice over unsolicited information from a self-professed expert.

  • ‘Drop, cover and hold’ is the official advice of the New Zealand Government developed collaboratively with expert agencies such as GNS Science, EQC and the Society of Earthquake

 ... 

Read more

NZQA External Evaluation & Review

2022 – Report of External Evaluation and Review

Our 2022 NZQA External Evaluation and Review report is now available (see link above).  As a Category 1 Training Provider, we are very proud of the review.  The evaluation was very thorough in all areas of  Educational Performance and Self-assessment.  We appreciate all the support and feedback we receive from you, our clients. The evaluation was very thorough.

The purpose of this external evaluation and report is to provide a public statement about the Tertiary Education Organisation’s (TEO) educational performance and capability in self-assessment. It forms part of the accountability process required by Government to inform investors, the public, students, prospective students, communities, employers, and other interested parties. It is also intended to be used by the TEO itself for quality improvement purposes.

NZQA is Highly Confident in the educational performance and is Highly Confident in the capability in self-assessment of Devereux-Blum Training & Development.  There are no recommendations.

Ratings against the Key Evaluation
 ... 

Read more

Training WCC Civil Defence Centre Volunteers

We have ran CIMS training for Civil Defence Centre Managers within the Wellington City Area. In a major disaster or emergency Civil Defence Centres are activated by volunteers. The centres are situated in primary schools or other community locations like community centres.

The centres collect information about the impact of an emergency and inform the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office. There is very little equipment at Civil Defence Centres, so residents should plan to be self-sufficient.

 

In an emergency listen to your local radio station to hear which Civil Defence Centres are working.  It’s a good idea to keep a note of your nearest Civil Defence Centre location in your home survival kit.

Volunteers

Volunteers play an important role in our efforts and in the community’s welfare – before, during and after an emergency.  Volunteers with enthusiasm and commitment and a little bit of time to undertake training are needed. Volunteers work from their local emergency centre.

Volunteers are trained to perform a range of functions in the emergency centres including:

  • radio communications
  • operations
  • welfare
  • light search and rescue

If your are interested in helping as a centre volunteer contact the Wellington Emergency Management Office of your local council. The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office can be contacted on ph 04 830 4279 or through their website. Read more