Families and ChildrenFamilies and Children
Safe Camping and Caravaning
At last, the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer and HOPEFULLY, sunnier.
Before you know the kiwi mass exodus to the beach or country side will begin. Perhaps you're going to be getting away from it all on your holiday and live in a tent or a caravan and fire up the barbecue. Of course, for others there are the joys of staying at their favourite holiday park - complete with all the traditional fun of this classic kiwi getaway.
However, before you are caught up in the inevitable end of your rush, it is a good time to take steps to make sure that you are ready to get through your holiday safely.
The Ministry of consumer affiars' energy Safety Service has some advice. Several people have died in New Zealand because caravans were incorrectly hooked up to an electricity supply - make sure you're hooked up correctly.
Holiday Preparedness - Avoid Burglaries
It's the holiday season. In between planning end of year events, Christmas shopping and what to do for the summer break, you need to start thinking about how to make your home or business premises burglar-proof.
Counties Manukau Police say a few simple crime prevention steps can help stop you becoming a crime victim and burglary statistic. By taking a few minutes to 'think like a thief' you will be able to identify the tell-tale signs of security weaknesses in your home or place of business.
Earthquake Commission
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) was established by the Government in 1945 to provide earthquake and war damage cover for purchasers of fire insurance. Later, cover for other natural disasters was included and, later still, cover for war damage dropped. The modern EQC is a Government-owned Crown Entity.
For 60 years it has been collecting premiums from insured people and during that time a substantial nest egg against damage, called the Natural Disaster Fund, has built up.
There is currently around $5.4 billion in the Fund which is backed up by reinsurance from overseas groups and a Government Guarantee. The Government Guarantee ensures that EQC will always be able to meet its obligations, regardless of the circumstances.
EQC pays out on claims from New Zealand residential property owners for damage caused by earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, tsunami; in the case of residential land, a storm or flood; or fire caused by any of these. In a time of major disaster, such as a large earthquake, EQC works through its Catastrophe Response Programme (CRP). The CRP sets out how EQC will cope with the substantial increase in resources that will be required at such a time. The programme includes an alternative operations site and the provision of additional staff and equipment. EQC also encourages and funds research about matters relevant to natural disaster damage and it educates and otherwise informs people about what can be done to prevent and mitigate damage caused by natural disasters. For more information about preparing for emergencies, contact us on 04 2325363 or
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us.
What's The Plan Stan
Earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions, as well as non-natural hazards such as fires and pandemics, can be frightening because they strike at any time and often without warning.
Understanding what causes these hazards and knowing what to do will help you to be better prepared when they happen.
What's the Plan Stan is a New Zealand Government website which provides information for families, teachers and students.
Visit the site to find out more about earthquakes, tsunami, floods, storms, volcanic eruptions and other disasters and what you can do to be better prepared when they happen.
You can also help your family and friends get ready. Your family needs to have a plan for what to do if there is an emergency. Read the list of things you should talk with your family about. If you have family pets you will need to include them in your emergency planning.
Teachers: What’s the Plan Stan is a resource which aims to support teachers to develop their students’ knowledge and skills to prepare for, and safely respond to, disasters.
For more information about preparing for emergencies, contact us on 04 2325363 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us.
Schools Make a Big Difference When the Going Gets Tough
Every forward thinking school and teacher knows that ongoing professional development is a very important ingredient when it comes to teaching and fostering a culture of lifelong learning in the school and community. This learning extends to the tertiary sector where people continue to study and their findings in turn ignite our interest and we continue to learn and apply further knowledge into our workplace. Two researchers that I have on my radar are David Johnston from