Civil Defence
Civil Defence Emergency Radio Alert Sound
(the Sting)
During an emergency you may hear the Civil Defence Emergency Radio Alert Siren (the Sting) over the radio.
It is important you are aware of the Sting and If you do hear it, listen carefully and follow any instructions given.
Below are four radio ads detailing information and equipment you need during an emergency and also what the Sting sounds like.
Radio Stations to listen to during an emergency:
-
The Breeze - 89.7FM Blenheim, 98.7FM Picton, 97.1FM Kaikoura
-
More FM - 92.9FM Blenheim, 94.7 Picton, 89.9FM Kaikoura
-
Classic Hits - 96.9 FM Blenheim, 1584 AM Blenheim & Picton, 89.8FM Nelson
-
ZM - 90.5 Blenheim
Disasters can strike at any time - impacts can be minor to extreme.
Mother Nature has and will continue to provide unexpected events from time to time, be it flooding, heavy snow, earthquakes, fire, and severe weather such as strong winds. Fortunately most events impact on only small sections of our community. Other events such as infrastructure failures are always possible even with highly maintained systems. Failures in supply of phones, water, power, roads and gas will all have varying impacts on individuals.
Make sure you are prepared!
Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is a large and mainly volunteer organisation trained and equipped to respond to a Civil Defence Emergency, or to assist and support other organisations in a major emergency event of any kind.
Where it is apparent that there may be insufficient manpower and resources available to adequately cope in a disaster situation, the Mayor can declare a State of Local emergency. This will usually follow discussion with a recommendation from the CDEM Controller, police and other emergency services.
In any significant emergency the police will usually be the first contact, and in a major event (as in earthquakes, floods, etc), they will handle the situation until Marlborough CDEM or another appropriate organisation (eg; Rural Fire or Agriquality) takes over the management role.
Following a declaration, the CDEM Controller has statutory authority under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. His primary task is to gather information from around the district to enable him to allocate resources where they are most needed, thus helping people get back to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Following the Boxing Day Fires in 2000, when the Marlborough Emergency Operations Centre (EOC, previously known as CDHQ) was deployed by the National Rural Fire Management Team with CDEM and Council support for nearly a week, the Council reviewed the shortcomings of the old World War 2 Delta Army building, and agreed to fund a new EOC, to be located on the same site. After extensive consultation, plans and specifications were prepared and tenders called. Work on the new centre commenced in October and it was officially opened in August 2003.
The new EOC includes the base for an extensive radio communications network to provide for radio communications throughout the district, as well as to CDEM sectors, emergency services, utility organisations and support groups. It is available to any lead agency during an emergency affecting the district, with staff and radio communications support as may be required.
A book titled 'One Eyed and Blinkered' was published (July 2001) by the Darcy Christopher Foundation Civil Defence Trust. This book covers 40 years of Civil Defence in Marlborough, and has 204 pages with many coloured and black and white photos. It includes a definitive chapter on the 1983 floods and the management of the 2000 Boxing Day Fires. If you can find a copy it's worth reading.
Marlborough CDEM is always looking for competent volunteers. Whether you have previous emergency management training or are simply a team player who can think outside the square and want to become part of a worthy organisation, please contact us.
Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management can be contacted on +64 3 520 7490 (24-hour service).