Review of the Tsunami Evacuation 2017
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Decision by MCDEM to provide<br />
rapid evacuation advice in NWS<br />
messaging<br />
This decision to provide National Level <strong>Evacuation</strong> advice was agreed between MCDEM and<br />
Groups following <strong>the</strong> November 14 th earthquake and tsunami in response to:<br />
• inconsistent action taken by neighbouring Groups during November 14 th event (i.e. some<br />
following MCDEM advice and advising evacuation and some not) creating confusion for<br />
<strong>the</strong> public<br />
• The increased uncertainty and heightened probability <strong>of</strong> earthquakes in <strong>the</strong> Kaikōura<br />
earthquake aftershock zone which includes parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hikurangi subduction plate<br />
margin a significant tsunami source for New Zealand. This source could produce tsunami<br />
similar to <strong>the</strong> Tōhuku earthquake and tsunami <strong>of</strong> March 2011.<br />
• The very short time available for life-safety action (i.e. evacuation) should a large<br />
tsunamigenic earthquake occur <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> East Coast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> North Island<br />
12 Sirens All <strong>of</strong> section Include reference to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Tsunami</strong> Sirens Technical Standard, and o<strong>the</strong>r MCDEM Guidance<br />
materials which state that tsunami are not appropriate for use for local source tsunami events.<br />
See earlier comments for more detail.<br />
13 <strong>Evacuation</strong> Plans All <strong>of</strong> section <strong>Evacuation</strong> mapping, planning and drills are an important part <strong>of</strong> tsunami preparedness. Such<br />
preparedness should be undertaken with <strong>the</strong> at-risk public. The tsunami evacuation zone mapping<br />
and tsunami signage technical standards provide comprehensive guidance on best practice for<br />
developing tsunami evacuation plans for and with communities.<br />
14 <strong>Evacuation</strong> Plans “MCDEM also released evacuation<br />
maps which were attached to <strong>the</strong><br />
national warning system messages,<br />
which <strong>the</strong> media referred to.”<br />
17 Messaging to <strong>the</strong> Screenshot from MCDEM website<br />
Public<br />
18 Messaging to <strong>the</strong><br />
Public<br />
19 Messaging to <strong>the</strong><br />
public<br />
Recommendations<br />
“The term Get Gone leaves<br />
residents confused.”<br />
The term Get Gone should be<br />
clarified by MCDEM to mean<br />
“move immediately to high ground<br />
or inland as far as necessary”<br />
MCDEM released wave amplitude threat maps during <strong>the</strong> November 14 event, not evacuation<br />
maps. Please correct this wording.<br />
Also include screenshots or content from Christchurch CDEM Facebook page to demonstrate<br />
inconsistency.<br />
This is a punchy slogan such as “C’mon guys, get fire wise” and is not intended to include all<br />
necessary information. Radio, television and social media advertising as well as MCDEM websites,<br />
guidance materials and technical standards describe in more detail <strong>the</strong> correct trigger for actions,<br />
and actions to take. This messaging has been developed by Communications pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in<br />
conjunction with social scientists. The Long or Strong, Get Gone campaign is designed to<br />
complement long-term public education programmes for behavioural change.<br />
This depends on <strong>the</strong> public having full access and understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir tsunami evacuation zones<br />
prior to events. MCDEM fully supports all Groups providing such resources to <strong>the</strong> public but until<br />
this is possible, <strong>the</strong> wording will have to remain “as far as possible:” and not “as far as necessary”.<br />
This is because:<br />
• Not all Groups have completed tsunami evacuation zone mapping/evacuation planning<br />
and <strong>of</strong> those that have not all have released <strong>the</strong>se publicly<br />
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