A new plan is set to empower the Whau community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Whau Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), offers practical guidance to help residents and businesses stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.
The plan responds to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says, “having a plan that everyone can follow will empower locals to feel confident and prepared in the event of an emergency”.
“The best time to be prepared is before you need it, so get your household plan in place now. It’s also a great way to connect with your neighbours, friends and wider communities to plan for how you can band together to help each other in an emergency.
“Developing this plan for the people of the Whau has been a priority. During the events of 2023 we saw how quickly and dramatically things can happen, but we also saw that our communities are resilient.
"The more prepared we can be, the easier we can recover.”
The plan identifies the top hazards in the Whau and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process.
Developed through consultation with diverse community and faith-based groups, subject matter experts, and key agencies, the plan is designed to reflect the unique needs of the Whau area.
Printed copies will be available in libraries and community centres, while a digital version will soon be accessible on the council website.
“There were many people and teams that contributed to building this plan, and I would like to thank them for their hard work for the people of the Whau,” Chair Thomas says.
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