Auckland Council will be installing tsunami signs in Orewa next week as part of a community-led initiative to increase the coastal town’s tsunami preparedness.
Six information signs will be erected at the facilities on the Arundel Reserve and Western Reserve, Orewa Reserve, Orewa library, community centre and Orewa Top 10 Holiday Park.
Evacuation signs will be installed to indicate major evacuation routes, and blue lines will also be drawn on the ground to mark the ‘safe zones’ for a tsunami practice walk taking place this month (25 May). It will involve local schools, residents and businesses identifying and walking the evacuation route nearest them.
Although the likelihood is low the consequences of a tsunami could be devastating says Auckland Council’s Head of Emergency Management and Operations, Aaron Davis.
“Low lying areas like Orewa are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis so it’s important to be as prepared as possible. These signs will facilitate an evacuation and direct people to higher ground in the event of a tsunami,” says Mr Davis.
Auckland Council’s CDEM team has partnered with Orewa Rotary to effectively engage residents and businesses, says chair of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Committee, Councillor Sharon Stewart.
“The groundswell of community support for this initiative in Orewa has made it the perfect pilot area for the new signage and mass tsunami walk,” says Councillor Stewart.
“Disaster preparedness is a long-term community need and a key priority for Rotary,” President Elect of Orewa Rotary, Billy Beggs says.
“Rotary has set up a special foundation called CHIP-In to work with communities on this issue. We’re delighted to be working with the Auckland Council CDEM team on the tsunami walk which is the start of our disaster preparedness work in the Orewa community,” he says.
For more information on tsunami preparedness or how to join in the tsunami walk please visit aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
