Preparing for disasters

Press, 1 May 1981, Page 9

Preparing for disasters

Natural disasters are becoming more deadly and more destructive, according to the secretary-general oi the League of Red Cross Societies (Mr Henrik Beer). Although the League is answering about, the same number of appeals for assistance as before — about one every three weeks —- the number of victims and the amount of damage are steadily increasing. Disaster preparedness is consequently assuming greater importance as governments realise that the answer to loss of life and huge property damage bills lies in strenuous prevention and preparedness measures rather than avalanches ol post disaster relief. The New Zealand Red Cross Society is constantly strengthening its traditional role in this area. Currently, Red Cross in New Zealand maintains Emergency Relief Teams in all main centres, equipped with four wheel drive vehicles, radios, and rescue and first aid gear. Team members undergo intensive training in light rescue and first aid. With the mobility conferred by four wheel drive vehicles, they are well equipped to respond quickly in times of major emergencies.

Teams turn out regularly for search and rescue exercises, and simulated disaster calls, as well as being on hand for events such as the Motogard rally and longdistance running events.

At branch level Red Cross is promoting the establishment of Branch Emergency Welfare Units. The objective of the B.E.W.U. programme is to build throughout the country (in New Zealand there are over 300 Red Cross branches), a network of units trained to provide life support, shelter, food', and clothing as needed to preserve and protect life in any emergency. Each unit comprises a group of six people trained to fulfil these functions as well as to register and trace, where necessary, emergency victims.

Red Cross also has an important role to play under the National Civil Defence Emergency Welfare Plan recently approved by the Minister’ of Civil Defence, the Hon. A. D. Highet. It has accepted primary responsibility for the provision oi clothing, blankets and essential toiletries in a disaster, which entails having immedL ately available in each Civil Defence region 100 sets oi clothing for men. women, children and babies, 10C toilet bags and 100 quilts and blankets.