The Buller District Council currently maintains the services of a part time Civil Defence Officer who co-ordinates volunteers and Council staff to provide civil defence support to the district.
Under the Civil Defence Act, all local authorities are required to have a Civil Defence Plan, which is renewed every three years.
Civil Defence is only activated when existing emergency services are unable to cope with an emergency event. In the event of a civil defence emergency the warning system will be operated - the prolonged sounding of a rising and falling fire siren. If you hear the civil defence siren sound, tune in to your local radio station for emergency information.
For communities living in regions like ours that are prone to the threat of floods, earthquakes or road closures, it is very important that we are individually prepared for emergencies. Make sure you have enough food and water for you, your family and pets to last at least 3 days. For more information, call in to Council and pick up a brochure titled 'Surviving an Emergency' or check out the Civil Defence website at www.getthru.govt.nz
Emergency preparedness is a personal responsibility. For information, or to offer your services as a volunteer, contact the Civil Defence officer at the Council on 788 9627.
In the event of a declared civil defence emergency, where IT technology services remain available, the Council website will provide information and updates for residents.
