Survey launched to help gauge evacuation readiness of Westport locals

The wider Westport community is being encouraged to participate in a survey to help gauge their readiness to self-evacuate in a major flood or other emergency.

West Coast Emergency Management, along with Resilient Westport, is seeking the information to support the ongoing development of an enhanced flood evacuation plan for Westport, Carters Beach and Snodgrass Road.

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

Manager West Coast Emergency Management Claire Brown says a lot of conversations about the plan have been held with those at the core of emergency management but it’s the wider voice of the community the team would like to hear from.

“Planning is based on good information about our community’s capabilities and preparedness such as Census data and statistical information about the population, households and local tourism. But we need the help of our local residents to confirm the reliability of this information and improve our knowledge on the extent the community is able to self-evacuate in an emergency like a major flood.

“Last weekend’s rain warnings are a timely reminder for us all to think about our readiness in an emergency. By filling out this quick survey, locals are playing a crucial role in making greater Westport safer and more resilient. Planning saves lives - if people share their evacuation needs with us, it helps us all plan better.

“The results of the survey and ongoing engagement with the community will inform ongoing development of the plan. Further information about that plan will be shared with the community later in the year,” says Ms Brown.

The survey will run for three weeks from Friday 17 October until 4.30pm on Friday 7 November and can be filled out online at letstalk.bullerdc.govt.nz 
 
Paper surveys and information can be found at the Buller District Council Westport service centre or the Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library in Westport.

Residents can also drop into the regular Tuesday Resilient Westport community drop-in sessions (12-2pm) at 147 Palmerston Street for more information or to fill out a survey.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Resilient Westport Communications team
media@resilientwestport.co.nz 
www.resilientwestport.co.nz/emergency-management