Emergency management

Arrowtown is relatively well protected from many types of natural disaster – there’s not much chance of a tsunami or a tropical cyclone here – but there are some events that could cause severe damage to buildings and/or transport, electricity, water and wastewater infrastructure. These incidents might require you to evacuate your home or be self-sufficient for a while.

  • Earthquakes. This is Arrowtown’s most significant hazard by far. There is a 30 per cent chance that during the next 50 years the Alpine Fault will produce a major earthquake that could damage buildings and infrastructure, and the parts of Arrowtown closer to the river are susceptible to liquefaction.
  • Extreme weather. Climate change is increasing the probability and severity of extreme weather events, including snowstorms, windstorms, drought and rainstorms.
  • Wildfires. The wooded hillsides above Arrowtown are a volatile fuel source in a vegetation fire. Although the river is a natural fire break, it is mostly overhung by trees and a major forest fire could threaten buildings and require evacuations.
  • Human pandemic. The Queenstown Lakes District has a greater chance of being affected by a pandemic than many places because of the high visitor numbers.

An emergency could happen tomorrow so now is the time to get ready. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to learn about natural disasters, create a household emergency plan, assemble emergency survival items and make up a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.

 

Otago Gets Ready

Another great way to prepare is to sign up for Otago Gets Ready. This online database controlled by Emergency Management Otago will help the Arrowtown community get through an emergency together. You can register any special assistance you might need as well as skills or resources you're able to offer.

Needs might be:

  • visual, movement or hearing impairment
  • continuous electricity required for medical needs
  • only electric heating in house

Skills might be:

  • ticketed chainsaw operator
  • civil or mechanical engineer
  • first aider, paramedic, nurse or doctor
  • veterinarian
  • qualified child carer
  • registered builder, electrician, plumber etc
  • search and rescue member

Resources might be:

  • drone
  • Starlink satellite unit
  • tractor
  • water tanker
  • radio equipment
  • non-electric cooking facilities

The database is strictly confidential and can only be accessed by Emergency Management Otago staff and two approved members of the Arrowtown Community Response Group. It is only used in the case of a Civil Defence emergency.

If you sign up you will also get alerts from Emergency Management Otago direct to your phone.

We strongly encourage you to become a member of Otago Gets Ready and, if you have signed up previously, to log in occasionally and update the information. Please talk to your neighbours and friends and show them how to sign up too.

 

Community Response Group

If the worst happens and there is a major natural or man-made disaster, emergency services, Civil Defence and social service organisations will swing into action. The Arrowtown Community Response Group, a team of local volunteers, will be involved in managing operations under the supervision of Emergency Management Otago.

The CRG's coverage area extends as far as Crown Terrace, Arrow Junction and Speargrass Flat. The group welcomes new members. You don't need any special skills or experience. You just need to be resourceful with a willingness to learn – and be available to meet and train on the evening of the first Monday of the month. For more information email the CRG.

You can follow the CRG on Facebook at their Get Ready Arrowtown page. And take a look at the CRG's Get Ready Arrowtown pamphlet here.

 

Community Emergency Hub

The first thing the Community Response Group will do in a Civil Defence emergency is to set up the Community Emergency Hub. It will be a place you can get accurate information and ask for and offer help. It will be at the Arrowtown Community Centre as long as the building is safe.

The emergency hub will be set up with generators, lighting and heating. Even if all other communications are out the CRG will have contact with the Emergency Operations Centre in Frankton through VHF radio. Members of the CRG will collate the most up-to-date local information and send situation reports to Emergency Management Otago, and receive updates and instructions from EOC.

The CRG will match up offers of help with people who need it and create a drop-in centre. If necessary they will be able to set up tent accommodation.

 

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