'Get ready get thru' disaster awareness week 2009, New Zealand

Every year since the early nineties, the United Nations organises a World Disaster Reduction Campaign, which culminates on International Disaster Reduction Day, the second Wednesday of October. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management working in collaboration with Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups around the country, promotes Disaster Awareness Week, a week of activities aimed at raising awareness of hazards and the need to be prepared.

The purpose of the Disaster Awareness Week is to have a heightened period of activity to get across key CDEM messages to the general public. The plan is to have an intensive national mass media advertising campaign to promote the key messages, with CDEM Groups encouraged to undertake local and regional activities for their communities. The focus during the week is on encouraging individuals to take action to be better prepared to deal with disasters when they happen.

Planned national activities

The national theme will continue to be the generic "Get Ready Get Thru" and it is up to CDEM Groups to focus on specific aspects such as water, schools, businesses etc.

As in previous years there will be an intensive national mass media campaign on television and radio reinforced by activities to support CDEM Groups. Details of initiatives will be posted on the website when they become available.

A number of resources are available for CDEM Groups to use as needed. These include a media kit with suggestions on things you could do during the week, reprinting the GRGT brochures and checklists, and posters and advertisements. If you would like assistance with modifying any of these posters or ads please contact us early. In addition the Ministry is also coordinating the production of recyclable bags that you may want to use in your promotional activities during the week.. More information on these resources is available on the website below.