After Christchurch we have all had a big wake up call about our readiness for a large emergency. Neighbourhood Support is a really good first step to make sure your family and your community are prepared to help each other if an emergency strikes.
If an emergency happens at your home the first person on the scene is very likely to be your neighbour. Our neighbours are very important people to get to know. Whether it is a fire, burglary, flood or any number of unfortunate things that can happen to our homes the nearest support is just next door. If you don’t know your neighbour there was never a better time to start to get to know them than now.
Neighbourhood Support was formed in 1999 and aims to make our homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and more caring places in which to live. It is a national body partnered by the Police. The idea is very simple, if we help each other we will be safer.
A strong Neighbourhood Support group encourages neighbours to talk to each other and shares information that will help reduce the risk and fear of crime. It helps to foster a sense of community spirit, where everyone is respected and valued. Identifying the needs of neighbours and ways to assist each other and the strengths and skills of our neighbourhood can help solve local problems
If a community is organised and knows one another it is much more prepared for coping in Civil Emergencies. Being aware of resources available in an emergency could help save lives. Who in your neighbourhood has a four wheel drive? Who has medical training? Who has engineering experience? Do you have a family emergency plan? What should be in that plan?
To find out if there is a group near you or to create a new Neighbourhood Support Group contact nskapiti@safercommunity.org.nz or phone: 04 298 7435 to leave a message for the coordinator.