Instructions in emergency

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 12

Instructions in emergency

Sir, —During the storm this morning, I stayed tuned to 3ZB. It became apparent that in the event of a full-scale emergency our facilities

would be inadequate. There are too many people involved in decision making. At 8.10 a.m. we were told that a civil emergency had been declared. This was later contradicted. The police recommended that people should stay at home if possible, yet a number of secondary schools failed to cancel. Some did not cancel until after students should have arrived from outlying districts. Then we were exhorted not to miss Symon and Lowther’s sale and other commercial events in town! A major reassessment is essential. Schools must be closed before the debris flies. Emergency powers must be assumed before the casualties occur. Somebody must make decisions, and make them early. Today we were lucky —what about tomorrow?— Yours, etc., L. J. TAYLOR. August 1, 1975.

[Mr G. E. Twentyman, Chief Superintendent of Police, replies: “During the storm there was never any suggestion that facilities would be inadequate. A civil emergency was not declared, and nor was any such statement authorised by the police or civil defence authorities. The police recommended that people stay at home if possible to reduce any danger of injuries during the storm. The closing of schools and other matters mentioned by your correspondent, such as advertisements which were broadcast are not matters for police comment.”]