Preparing For Emergencies Here In The Whau “Communities that prepare for emergencies recover faster” Since Cyclone Gabrielle, we have seen an increase in the frequency of severe weather events affecting our communities. Since April, the country has had 133 days of declared states of emergency – that’s pretty much every day of this year. While declared states of emergencies are a useful tool for central authorities to organise funding, personnel, and resources to help in the response phase, there can be confusion about what this means for people on the ground. The Whau Community Emergency Readiness Network (WCERN) hopes to bridge the gap between central authority and communities during emergencies. We are a network of community hubs, non-profit organisations, cultural groups, and businesses serious about ensuring the Whau is ready for the next ‘big event’. This year, we have had many community leaders take time out of their busy lives to undergo first aid, psychological first aid, and Community Emergency Hub training to ensure the Whau is better prepared. Once activated, these Community Emergency Hubs will become a welcoming space for the community to gather, stay informed, request services, and offer a helping hand. By creating space for communities to respond to emergencies, WCERN seeks to empower communities and ease the transition into recovery. Of course, none of our mahi means anything without connected streets. At its core, emergency preparedness starts from the individual and works upwards. Making household emergency plans means your household is ready. Getting to know your neighbours and sharing resources builds resilient streets. Our Community Emergency Hubs build on local resilience and incorporate the community into the broader response from Auckland Emergency Management. If emergency readiness is something you are keen to get involved in, find out more on our Facebook page: Whau Community Emergency Readiness Network, or contact Mika at Mika@WhauResilience.org.nz 19 Page
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