Te Aroha Library welcomed a group of enthusiastic participants to its first Speaker Series session on Thursday 29 February. Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Officer Loren Molloy presented on the importance of being prepared and the role individuals, communities and Council plays when disaster strikes. 

Participants took part in a range of activities including planning what they would pack in their emergency kits and discussed what they would take and what they would leave behind in an emergency. Speaker Loren highlighted the importance of households and communities being prepared and having a plan in place.  “The most powerful tool in times of disaster is being prepared and having good community connections,” said Loren. “Know your neighbours, have a plan for children and pets in case of an emergency and if possible check in on any elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours that may need you to give them a helping hand or keep them updated with any developments.”

The session covered a range of topics including earthquakes, floods, tank explosions, and landslides as well as other events Civil Defence are involved in, including water disruptions and power blackouts. Attendees also learned about the Red Cross Hazard App, a free mobile application designed to help users identify hazards, mitigate risks, and stay informed as well as the concept of a 'grab bag', a backpack containing essential emergency supplies for individuals on the move. 

Te Aroha resident Di Cooper who attended the event said she spent the last three years travelling on a yacht around New Zealand so is familiar with the importance of grab bags, emergency supplies and checking the weather conditions. “Today I learned about the Red Cross Hazard App and how Civil Defence works with all the other organisations. It was a worthwhile session and I look forward to the next Speaker Series event in Te Aroha.”

Te Aroha Library Team Leader Lucy Gable-Thom said it was great to see a mix of regular and new faces gather at the library and hear the buzz of conversation coming from the non-fiction room. "We enjoy hosting events that provide opportunities for the community to gather and hear from interesting speakers or discuss local topics. If you've found a Speaker Series topic that interests you, we encourage you to come along, the feedback so far has been really positive."

For those interested in learning more about how to be prepared if/when a natural disaster strikes, check out getready.govt.nz.

The Speaker Series runs until Thursday 14 March, with events across the district in Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Matamata. See more at mpdc.nz/speakerseries