Russell Civil Defence News as of 2nd of February 2012:
Russell Civil Defence Siren Exercise 2nd of February 11:00am.
|
|---|
Prior to this event a number of meetings were held to coordinate the siren exercise. Before the scheduled siren exercise local Civil Defence members prewarned the town of the exercise by use of megaphones. The purpose of the exercise was to see how well the sirens could be heard and to test the phone warning system. Although a debriefing meeting has not yet been held, it appears that most in Russell and surrounding areas heard the sirens. More than 20 locals were involved in the exercise. Present on the day as an observer was Far North District Council Civil Defence coordinater Bill Hutchinson.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 30th October 2011:
Saturday 22nd... Labour weekend. Another earthquake in the Kermadec Trench this time Mag 7.4 An official tsunami alert was in place for a short time on Saturday morning. By the time all members meet the alert had been cancelled. This earthquake clearly demonstrates how little time we have from the time of a Kermadec earthquake to the expected wave arrival time. This large 7.4 earthquake is nearly 13 times stronger than a Mag 7.0 quake ... Are you Ready
Russell Civil Defence News as of 7th August 2011:
Following 7/7/2011 Tsunami warning the Russell Civil Defence Group came to the realisation that there were some serious shortcomings in our community response. To protect Russell’s safety and interests we met at the Russell Fire Station with... accommodation providers, community groups-clubs, sport groups, churches and the general public. The purpose of the meeting was to let the community know the structure of Russsell Civil Defence and the threats Russell may face. Also how we respond as a group to emergencies and the reasons for tsunami concern.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 7th July 2011:
Russell Civil Defence was alerted to a possible tsunami around 07:30am. Confirmation of a tsunami from CDEM came shortly after and local Civil Defence Members set about urging people to stay off the beaches. Police closed the Russell wharf and the ferries stopped running while the alert was in place. Any generated waves were expected just after 9.00am This time came and went without any visible sign of tidal movement. Cancellation from CDEM came in at around 9.25am.
It is disappointing that a few irresponsible people take these tsunami warnings lightly. One member of the public chose to ignore the warning and while aware of the threat was fishing off the rocks at Long Beach. In another incident surfers were heading off to the beach to catch the waves.
While this 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Kermadec Trench did not create a large wave, we need to remember that an earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike our coastline in a matter of minutes. We have dodged another bullet....Are you ready.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 20th June 2011:
On Sunday the 19th Russell Civil Defence Group hosted a Welfare Centre training session at the town hall. Speakers /educators were Bill Hutchinson, Claire Nyberg and Raewyn Smythe. After a brief introduction Claire Nyberg moved onto an overview of Civil Defence in Northland. Bill Hutchinson followed on with a short talk on local Civil Defence arrangements. Claire then covered the next three topics: CDEM Welfare, Welfare Centre Function and then moved to the Welfare Exercise Preparation.
After a break for lunch all participants took part in the welfare exercise. The exercise scenario was:
Due to heavy rain and severe winds Russell was cut off by a slip on the Waikare Saddle road and the ferries were not running because of the conditions. To top things off a tourist ferry is in diffculties and has beached at Tapeka Point. Emergency Services have requested that a welfare centre be set up to provide clothing and accomodation for people from the ferry. All in all a valuable and interesting exercise. Throughout the exercise we received guidance from Bill Claire and Raewyn.
 |
 |
|---|
Russell Civil Defence Response Group would like to thank Bill Hutchinson, Claire Nyberg and Raewyn Smythe for the time they spent with us and for the time they spent in preparing a comprehensive and informative presentation. We would also like to thank those who came and enjoyed this day with us.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 29th April 2011:
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Managment Group held their annual forum in Whangarei on the 29th April. Three members of the Russell Civil Defence Response Group were present to enjoy the three hour presentation. Speakers included Civil Defence Minister the Hon John Carter. Raewyn Smythe gave a great account of what it was like to work in a welfare centre in Christchurch. Paul Cook gave a presentation on his experience as first on the scene building inspector in Christchurch. Colin Wright and Mike Harwood USAR members , gave a riveting account of their deployment in Japan. Other issues covered by different speakers were: Disaster Victim Identification. CD Warning Systems and Earthquake Hazards in Northland.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 21st March 2011:
Met Service issued a heavy rain warning for Northland. Russell never received the heavy falls. In Russell 41mm of rain was recorded for the 12hr period.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 14th March 2011:
Friday 11th March. A Magnitude 9.0 Earthquake in Japan generated a huge tsunami. Civil Defence in New Zealand issued a tsunami alert for the Bay of Islands. The alert stayed in force for most of Saturday. Tidal surges and strong tidal pull were reported throughout the Bay. Russell Civil Defence members first met at 5.00 am on Saturday to discuss possible action. After consultation with Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) it was decided that no action was necassary other than to warn people to stay off the beaches. Local Civil Defence members continued to monitor the situation throughout the day. The alert was finally cancelled at 1730 hrs 12th March.
Earthquake Tsunami Japan
Russell Civil Defence News as of 28th January 2011:
Heavy Rain Warning: 196mm rain. Ex Wilma Cyclone.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 22nd January 2011:
Heavy Rain Warning: 172mm rain. Ex Varnia Cyclone.
2011 Christchurch Earthquake
Russell Civil Defence News as of 1st December 2010:
30th November:
Public Meeting Town Hall.
Well done to the public of Russell for their concern and attendance at the first public meeting of the Russell Civil Defence Response Group. 60 people were present at the Town Hall for the presentation of the Russell Civil Defence response plan by the Far North District Council Civil Defence coordinater Bill Hutchinson.
Russell Civil Defence News as of 9th November:
Response plan amendments.
Exercise Tangaroa: 20th October 2010:
Three members of the Russell Civil Defence Response Group took part in the national Tangaroa exercise. Firstly visiting the Kaikohe Emergency Operations Centre as observers and then taking part in the setup of a welfare centre. All participants agreed that this was a worthwhile exercise and of benefit to all who attended.
The Russell Civil Defence Response Group would like to thank the Far North District Council for the invitation to participate in this event and also to thank those who help to make this event a success.
Russell Civil Defence News as of August 2010:
Things are moving along and the basics are in place.
The Russell Civil Defence Response Group has been formed under the direction of John Moolenschot, assisted by Wayne Price. If you are unaware, John is the proprietor of the Service Station here in Russell.
John's concern for the town in the event of a major civil event moved him to set up a meeting and invite interested parties to meet with the Far North District Council Civil Defence coordinater Bill Hutchinson. This initial meeting outlined the role of Civil Defence in Northland and the role a local response group would play in a Civil Defence emergency.
Northland Flooding
News Continued:
Subsequent meetings have established key threats that may face Russell as well as surrounding areas and Islands.
A core group of six members has been set up to coordinate any events that may occur.
The next meeting will be mainly for the signing of the Russell Civil Defence Group Community Response Plan with the Far North Districtl Council. The date yet to be advised.
Asian Tsunami
.jpg)
Have you ever won Lotto? ... More chance you will experence this.
Warning - parental guidance recommended.
Northland Civil Defence Website
Click the image to view the Northland Civil Defence website
You cannot guess when it will happen... are you ready?
It is not a matter of
will it happen...
It Is A Matter Of When.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tsunami Warning Siren for Russell
(May take a moment to load)
If you hear the siren then you will need to find out what the level of threat is.
Through donations Russell now has a Tsunami Warning System.
In the interim we will alert the town of a tsunami threat by using portable megaphones.
When we recieve a tsunami alert from the Northland CDEMG you will hear a siren and in some cases a recorded message. If you hear the siren then you will need to find out what the level of threat is.
When you know what is happening be sure to tell your family and friends as not every one will hear the siren.
If you cannot find information about the alert on the main page of this website Click the "Contacts" link to get contact information.
Important: Due to a number of variable reasons it maybe impossible to update this website. You need to find out what level of threat there is.
When you hear the siren do not go to the beach for a look. Find out through official sources the level of threat.
Natural Warning for Russell
If you are on the coast and feel a strong earthquake, you may have only minutes to act until a tsunami arrives.
-
Do not wait for an official warning
-
Instead, let the earthquake be your warning. First, protect yourself from falling objects then quickly get to high ground or if the surrounding area is flat, go as far inland as possible
-
Take a battery powered radio to listen for official information
-
Do not go sightseeing to the beach or river
-
Wait for official all clear before returning
Listen to these radio stations for official information from Civil Defence:
More FM Frequency 92.0 FM
Classic Hits Frequency 106.1 FM
Newstalk ZB Frequency 100.7 FM
National Radio Frequency 981 AM & 101.5 FM
Russell Civil Defence
Click Here For:
Russell Civil Defence
Community Response Plan
Russell Civil Defence
Click Below For What You Need To Do Information
Click Here For:
Kids Learning Centre
You Can Help... To be truly effective we need funding for a community Civil Defence warning system and for general equipment so we can support and assist our community in a civil emergency.
Contact us now to pledge your support.
