Give the gift of Emergency Preparedness for Christmas

The Gore District Council’s Ready for Living team and Emergency Management Southland are launching a campaign to promote giving emergency preparedness gifts for Christmas.

Ready for Living coordinator Kylie Aitken said the idea came about after talking to many people who were not prepared for emergency situations.

“Everyone has someone in their life who is hard to buy for. A preparedness gift is the perfect, practical solution.”

Aitken said she knows of older people who have already planned to buy gifts to help their children and grandchild out with their emergency preparedness.

Emergency Management Southland Community Advisor Amy Rogers said no one likes to think something will go wrong, but when it does it is too late to prepare.

“It is important to remember preparedness isn’t only about having things, such as stored water, food, a means to cook and so on. It is about building networks and working together with your neighbours, friends, family, and community.

“What better time than Christmas to reach out to people and let them know that you are there to help.”

Gift ideas that you can give your parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren include:

• Torches
• First aid kits
• Battery powered radios
• Camp stove (if no BBQs)
• Power bank

Low cost or free gift suggestions included making a voucher or a note in a card for older family members, offering to help them prepare digital copies of important documents or to give your time to help them prepare supplies, Rogers said.

Emergency Management Southland Community Advisor Mallory Wood said summer was often when people go away, so it was equally important to remember to be prepared at cribs or holiday homes.

“Think about what you would do if an emergency happened while you were on holiday,” she said.

Aitken said she has received positive feedback about the Emergency Planning Guide for Older People, which was released recently.

“We are seeing a change in mind set for many older people who are starting to get prepared. The next step is making sure your family is also prepared.”

Emergency Management Southland staff will be attending the Christmas Carnival to talk about emergency preparedness.

People can get a photo with the Civil Defence mascot Stan the dog or have a look at the earthquake simulator ‘Shakey Trailer’ to get an idea of the damage an earthquake could cause in your home.

Emergency Management Southland will be holding workshops to refresh local community response plans in early 2023. Anyone interested in being involved or who would like to know more can talk with staff at the carnival, or email at [email protected].