During an emergency If life is threatened dial 111 to contact Emergency Services.
Useful Links:
Being prepared In the event of a disaster can save your life.
Many of us are aware of the potential disasters to strike the Whakatane region with large earthquakes, floods and tsunami risk a very real possibility.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group have a range of resources, maps and helpful information to get you ready should a disaster take place. Follow the useful links we have provided on this page or visit the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website here.
Tsunami Warnings & Evacuation
If you have felt an earthquake that lasts longer than one minute, or shaking intense enough that standing up is difficult, don't wait for official warnings — seek higher ground or head farther inland immediately.
How will I know when to evacuate?
Look out for natural signs in the first instance. When there is more time, warning methods may include:
▪ Continuous rise warning sirens – if you hear a constant rise tone from the fire siren, tune your radio into 1XX (90.5FM, 92.9FM or 1242AM) and await instructions.
▪ The coastal radio network may also be used in remote areas.
▪ Mobile alerting system – vehicles with mobile alerting systems will broadcast instructions.
▪ Online information – you can visit www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz for up-to-date emergency management information, and sign up to receive email alerts. BOP Civil Defence & Whakatane District Council post up to date emergency information on social media accounts including Facebook & Twitter.
▪ Unofficial warnings – if you receive warnings from sources such as foreign media, friends or family and you feel the threat is imminent, you should evacuate immediately.
Below are links to the Tsunami Evacuation Route Maps for our main centres. To view more Evacuation Maps visit the BOP Civil Defence website here.
Coastlands Tsunami Evacuation Map
Thornton Tsunami Evacuation Map