Locals can learn about all things emergency preparedness at the upcoming ‘GET READY’ event taking place on February 1 and 2 at Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka.

Attendees will be able to meet local emergency service personnel, including members from local fire brigades, police force and coastguard, and learn about how to be better prepared for an emergency.

The organisations will provide an inside look at the equipment used in emergency situations and the vital roles they play in maintaining safety and security in Wānaka. 

There will also be plenty of practical information on being emergency-ready at home.

Personnel from Emergency Management Otago (EMO) will be on hand to provide guidance on how to prepare for emergencies, as well as the information and gear needed to create emergency ‘grab and go’ kits. 

Wānaka Community Response Group (WCRG), a local volunteer group helping build more emergency resilience, will also be sharing information at GET READY.

“We believe that preparedness is key to ensuring the safety of our community,” WCRG chair Mick Hollyer said. 

Emergency risks in this district include AF8 (an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher on the Alpine Fault). PHOTO: Supplied

“This event is about empowering our residents with the knowledge and resources they need to be ready for any situation.”

WCRG said the emergency risks in the local area include AF8 (an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher on the Alpine Fault), fires, floods, tsunamis, snowstorms, and landslips.

“We know the geographical challenges our region faces, so the better prepared we are now, the less reliant we will be on our emergency services and food demands,” Mick said.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend GET READY.

It will take place at Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka on February 1 and 2 (Saturday and Sunday) between 10am and 1pm.

The Rotary Club of Wānaka will also be on-site with a sausage sizzle.

Read more: Group launches emergency awareness month