Community crucial in an emergency

The major slip in Point Howard in March brought community resilience to the fore, ECB member Bruce Spedding told the board’s meeting last month.

“The Point Howard slip was a big deal and it really showed the importance of communication channels. The Point Howard Association was critical to keeping residents informed. They did a great job and it has really highlighted the need for those good communication systems.”

Mr Spedding said the event was a wake up call for Eastbourne as to how vulnerable we are, even in a relatively simple event.

ECB is working with the local Red Cross to arrange access to its emergency supply shed and to reestablish the organisation as an operational group out here.

There was a need to contact other organisations to re establish the local emergency response. “It was organised really well 10-15 years ago, but had declined,” he said.

Meanwhile, he is looking for a volunteer radio operator in York Bay to join the other bays so there is widespread communication if the cellphone network fails in an emergency.

News from Point Howard

Are you interested in learning CPR to save a life?

The PHA are looking to arrange another session with Wellington Free Ambulance for their Heartbeat Community CPR Training. Please register your interest by email to pthowardassn@gmail.com.

Thank you to the residents who have volunteered to walk Pt Howard & Sorrento Bay in the event of an emergency.

We truly appreciate your support. If you would like to volunteer for Church Lane or Westhill Road then please let us know at pthowardassn@gmail.com.

The PHA and PHTC AGMs are scheduled for June. Please look out for an email invitation and/or a flyer in your letterbox.

pthowardassn@gmail.com

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz