Self-evacuation survey results guide Plan development

Self-evacuation survey results guide Plan development West Coast Emergency Management thanks the people of Westport and surrounds who contributed to its recent survey into self-evacuation in a flood or other emergency.

The survey ran from 17 October 2025 to 7 November 2025, targeting residents in Westport, Snodgrass Road, and Carters Beach.

Residents were asked three main questions regarding their access to transport if they needed to evacuate, if they know where they would head to, and if they need additional support (due to health, mobility and/or other challenges). The survey was hosted online on Buller District Council’s Let’s Talk Platform, and written copies were made available in Westport.

The initiative is part of the Emergency Management component of the Resilient Westport programme of work.

Manager West Coast Emergency Management Claire Brown acknowledges the members of the community who took part.

“In the end we had 63 responses from local people, and we really appreciate them taking the time to participate. They were mostly from the main Westport township (50 out of 63) along with Snodgrass Road and Carters Beach.

“Those answers are helping us test the estimates in the Enhanced Evacuation Plan we’ve developed and are continuing to evolve.

“For example, survey results show a higher self-evacuation capacity than the Plan assumed: 65% of respondents can evacuate independently compared with the Plan’s 50% estimate, suggesting the Plan’s assumptions are appropriately conservative.

“It was notable that 27% of survey respondents have their own transport but are unsure of a safe evacuation destination. This suggests there may be a need for improved communication and education about planning safe destinations, rather than an increased need for additional evacuee accommodation options.

“Based on the level of response the findings will be viewed as ‘indicative’ rather than fully representative or definitive. However, they are nevertheless extremely helpful in helping us consider where any unmet need lies or where we have already made good estimates,” says Ms Brown.

In terms of next steps, the Westport Flood – Evacuation Plan will be tabled at tomorrow’s West Coast Emergency Management Joint Committee.

The Plan is primarily a Response Plan for Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Controllers, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff and stakeholders directly involved in carrying out a flood-related evacuation of Westport and surrounds. While some aspects of the Plan will also serve as a guide for the community, there is more to do in that regard.

“We will be bringing more information to the community about evacuation processes and preparedness in the New Year. This will include insights into evacuation decision-making, the roles and responsibilities of the various emergency services providers, and tips and guidance for community members if a major flooding emergency were to take place.”

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For further information please contact:
Resilient Westport Communications team
media@resilientwestport.co.nz