Palmerston North

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Natural Disaster Preparedness

Guidelines and infrastructure for coping with earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters common in New Zealand.

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Natural Disaster Preparedness in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Palmerston North, located in the Manawatลซ-Whanganui region of New Zealand, is a vibrant city with a relatively mild climate. However, like the rest of New Zealand, it is not immune to natural disasters. The countryโ€™s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to earthquakes, while its geography and weather patterns can also lead to flooding, storms, and occasional landslides. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare for natural disasters in Palmerston North.

1. Common Natural Disasters in Palmerston North

a) Earthquakes

  • New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, making earthquakes a common occurrence.
  • While Palmerston North is not as seismically active as Wellington or Christchurch, it can still experience moderate to strong earthquakes.

b) Flooding

  • The Manawatลซ River and its tributaries run through the region, making Palmerston North susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or storms.
  • Low-lying areas and properties near rivers are particularly at risk.

c) Storms and High Winds

  • Palmerston North occasionally experiences strong winds and storms, especially during the spring months. These can cause power outages and damage to property.

d) Landslides

  • Heavy rainfall in hilly or sloped areas can lead to landslides, particularly in rural areas surrounding the city.

2. Recommended Safety Measures

a) Earthquake Preparedness

  • Before an Earthquake:
    • Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and objects that could fall during shaking.
    • Identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy tables or against interior walls.
    • Prepare an emergency kit (see details below).
  • During an Earthquake:
    • Follow the "Drop, Cover, and Hold" method: Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
    • Stay indoors if you are inside; avoid doorways and windows.
    • If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
  • After an Earthquake:
    • Check for injuries and hazards like gas leaks or damaged electrical wiring.
    • Be prepared for aftershocks.

b) Flood Preparedness

  • Before a Flood:
    • Know your flood risk by checking local flood maps and the Palmerston North City Council website.
    • Elevate valuable items and electrical appliances if you live in a flood-prone area.
    • Have sandbags ready if flooding is forecast.
  • During a Flood:
    • Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.
    • Move to higher ground immediately if water levels rise.
  • After a Flood:
    • Avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be contaminated.
    • Dispose of food and water that may have been affected.

c) Storm and High Wind Preparedness

  • Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines, and other loose items that could become projectiles.
  • Stay indoors during high winds and avoid driving unless necessary.
  • Keep a battery-powered radio to stay updated on weather alerts.

d) Landslide Preparedness

  • Be aware of warning signs such as cracks in the ground, leaning trees, or unusual water flow.
  • Avoid building or living in areas prone to landslides.
  • If a landslide occurs, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services.

3. Local Emergency Services and Contacts

Palmerston North has well-organized emergency services to assist during natural disasters. Save these contacts in your phone and keep them accessible:

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 111 (free from any phone).
  • Palmerston North City Council Emergency Management Office: +64 6 356 8199
  • Civil Defence Emergency Management (Manawatลซ-Whanganui Region): +64 6 952 2800
  • Healthline (for medical advice): 0800 611 116
  • National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): www.civildefence.govt.nz
  • Electricity Outages (Powerco): 0800 27 27 27
  • Flood Warnings (Horizons Regional Council): 0508 800 800

4. Costs and Availability of Preparedness Kits

Emergency preparedness kits are essential for surviving the initial days after a disaster. You can purchase pre-made kits or assemble your own. Hereโ€™s what to include:

a) Basic Emergency Kit Items

  • Water: At least 3 liters per person per day for 3 days.
  • Non-perishable food: Enough for 3 days, including canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit.
  • First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medications.
  • Flashlight and batteries: Or a hand-crank flashlight.
  • Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates.
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.
  • Warm clothing and blankets.
  • Personal hygiene items: Soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
  • Copies of important documents: Passports, insurance policies, and emergency contacts.
  • Cash: Small denominations, as ATMs may not work.
  • Mobile phone and power bank.

b) Where to Buy Kits in Palmerston North

  • The Warehouse Palmerston North: Offers affordable emergency supplies.
  • Mitre 10 Mega: Stocks tools, batteries, and other essentials.
  • Countdown or New World Supermarkets: For non-perishable food and water.
  • Online Retailers: Websites like www.survivalkits.nz offer pre-made kits.

c) Cost Estimate

  • A basic emergency kit for one person costs approximately NZD 100โ€“200, depending on the items included. Pre-made kits may cost more but save time.

5. Local Shelter Sites

In the event of a large-scale disaster, temporary shelters may be set up by the Palmerston North City Council or Civil Defence. These are often located in community centers, schools, or sports facilities. Keep an eye on local radio stations or the councilโ€™s website for announcements about shelter locations.

Likely Shelter Locations:

  • Central Energy Trust Arena: 61 Pascal Street, Palmerston North.
  • Awapuni Community Centre: 22 Newbury Street, Palmerston North.
  • Local Schools: Schools often serve as emergency shelters; check with your nearest school.

6. Region-Specific Considerations

  • Manawatลซ River Flooding: If you live near the river, monitor water levels during heavy rain via the Horizons Regional Council website or app.
  • Community Preparedness Groups: Palmerston North has active community groups that organize disaster preparedness workshops. Joining these can help you stay informed and connected.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: If you are new to New Zealand, familiarize yourself with the Mฤori concept of "Kaitiakitanga" (guardianship of the environment). Respect for the land and its natural forces is deeply ingrained in local culture.

7. Staying Informed

  • Radio Stations: Tune in to local stations like More FM (92.2 FM) or The Hits (97.8 FM) for updates.
  • Emergency Mobile Alerts: Ensure your phone is set to receive emergency alerts from the New Zealand government.
  • Weather Updates: Use the MetService app or website (www.metservice.com) for real-time weather forecasts and warnings.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for any natural disaster in Palmerston North. Remember, preparation is key to minimizing risks and staying safe.