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- By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail”, and when it comes to emergency planning, getting it wrong can lead to tragic consequences.
We don’t have to look far to see the terrible impact events like severe weather can have on people and property.
And climate change is increasing the frequency and impact of severe weather events that may create emergency situations in our communities.
That’s why the Howick Local Board made establishing a local emergency and response plan a priority.
We’ve been working with Auckland Emergency Management to make it happen, alongside local stakeholders and community organisations.
We formally adopted the plan in November, 2024, and will be reviewing it on a regular basis to ensure it keeps pace with the changing environment and our increasingly diverse communities.
The Howick Emergency Readiness and Response Plan provides clarity on the roles and responsibilities of council and community across the ‘four R’s’ of emergency management – Reduction, Readiness, Response, and Recovery.
It explains what our local risks are, what we can all do to be ready, and how to respond if something does happen.
Having a plan helps make any emergency situation much less stressful for everyone.
The best time to be prepared is before you need it, so please get your household or business plan in place now.
Also, connect with your neighbours, friends, and communities to share and discuss your plan. If an emergency happens, it’s vital we look after each other.
We know from experience our communities of Howick, Pakūranga, Botany, and Flat Bush come together to help each other in times of need.
We’re grateful for the amazing individuals and organisations who have stepped up in the past and have volunteered to be involved again.
You can find the Howick Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, along with loads of other useful resources, at www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz.
- Find out more and stay in touch
Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick
Facebook: facebook.com/HowickLB
Monthly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/42kdAlK
