Get emergency ready for Neighbours Day Aotearoa

Get to know your neighbours for this year’s Neighbours Day Aotearoa and make yourself more resilient to emergencies.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group manager Ian Macdonald said getting to know your neighbours was one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies, and Neighbours Day Aotearoa was the perfect chance to break the ice.

“More and more research shows the communities that recover best from emergencies are those that have good social networks.

“Whether you live in a suburb, on a city block, in an apartment or on a rural property, you have neighbours – and knowing your neighbours matters,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Getting to know your neighbours for Neighbours Day Aotearoa, which runs from 22 to 31 March, is a fantastic way to not only make everyday life much more enjoyable, but to make sure you’re surrounded by people who will help each other out when you all need it most.”

Mr Macdonald said communities that have made those connections are more likely to make sure everyone is looked after in an emergency, especially those who might need extra help.

“There’s strength in numbers. In an emergency, you can work with your neighbours to get through by sharing resources and skills, so you all recover faster.

“I encourage everyone to make the most of this year’s Neighbour’s Day Aotearoa to host a barbeque, start a neighbourhood group, welcome newcomers to your street and, in doing so, improve your resilience.

“After all, in an emergency, you're not on your own – you’re with your community.”

For more information on Neighbours Day Aotearoa, visit http://neighboursday.org.nz

For more information on getting ready to get thru a civil defence emergency, visit www.hbemergency.govt.nz or follow Hawke’s Bay Emergency on Facebook.

22 March 2019

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