Overview

Emergency response vehicle

The Wellington Emergency Management Office (WEMO) aims to help Wellington prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.

It operates under the requirements of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002.

Wellington at Risk

Wellington is a city at risk of natural hazards such as storms, flooding, earthquakes and wild fires. It is also at risk of hazards caused by vehicles transporting and disposing of dangerous substances.

An emergency occurs when any of these hazards affects the city in a way that overwhelms the city's normal ability to cope.

Hazards - Greater Wellington Regional Council website

Disaster Awareness

Disaster Awareness Week 2008 began on 5 October and included:

a practice run with WEMO's new tsunami and civil defence warning public address system - using the Civil Defence 'Sting' siren and a helicopter and mobile unit to broadcast the test message: This is a test - the next time you hear this siren it could be a real emergency or disaster. Get ready to get through - your local council can help.
screening of the tele-feature Aftershock, about an earthquake and tsunami hitting Wellington
screening of the follow-up television documentary Aftershock - Would You Survive?

Aftershock website

In October 2008, the Council held an online questionnaire on emergency preparedness to find out how ready Wellingtonians were for an unexpected natural disaster.

Reports - Emergency Preparedness

Earthquake Safety

In an earthquake, Civil Defence and the NZ Society for Earthquake Engineering advise to drop, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on, or take shelter against an interior wall away from windows and bookcases.

It's also important to identify safe places in your home, school or workplace so you can react quickly in an earthquake.

Earthquake Safety Advice (254Kb PDF)

WEMO Facilities

The WEMO building has been purpose-built with its own water, electricity, communications and sewerage facilities to ensure communications and essential services can continue to operate in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Completed in April 1996 at the cost of $1.87 million, it's located on the corner of Murphy and Turnbull Streets in Thorndon.

Emergency Response

On a daily basis, WEMO works to manage emergency risks through planning, training and exercises.

In any event that requires the coordination of a range of emergency agencies, or a declared disaster under the Civil Defence Act, WEMO will be fully activated.

Under the leadership of the Controller, the office becomes a nerve centre where critical decisions can be made in consultation with emergency services and others involved in disaster response.

Publications

The Council produces a number of publications on emergency management, civil defence, and natural hazards in Wellington. They are particularly useful for schools, business and householders.

Council Emergency Management Publications

Overview
Preparedness
Fire
Civil Defence Centres
Urban Search & Rescue
Links