Cross the line
16/02/2011 2:30:00 p.m.
ISLAND Bay is better prepared for a tsunami following a pilot project to raise awareness in the area. The six-month project saw 20 local residents join forces with the Wellington City Council emergency management office to brainstorm safe evacuation routes, effective signage and creative solutions should a tsunami strike.
“For years [The Ministry of] Civil Defence has put the message out there that those in coastal areas during a strong earthquake need to move inland and/or uphill to a height of 30m above sea level. For a lot of people that information doesn’t really mean a lot. We showed them tsunami inundation zones on maps and their reaction was largely ‘No surely it’s not that far’,” says Fred Mecoy, emergency preparedness manager for the Wellington City Council.
An Island Bay resident proposed the ‘blue line safe zone’ concept to convey a clear message to locals. Fifteen blue lines have been painted around Island Bay, marking sites where the public is protected if they cross the line and start climbing.
“People drive over that mark every day on their way to work, so when the time comes and the ground starts shaking they will know where to go,” says Mecoy.
“For years [The Ministry of] Civil Defence has put the message out there that those in coastal areas during a strong earthquake need to move inland and/or uphill to a height of 30m above sea level. For a lot of people that information doesn’t really mean a lot. We showed them tsunami inundation zones on maps and their reaction was largely ‘No surely it’s not that far’,” says Fred Mecoy, emergency preparedness manager for the Wellington City Council.
An Island Bay resident proposed the ‘blue line safe zone’ concept to convey a clear message to locals. Fifteen blue lines have been painted around Island Bay, marking sites where the public is protected if they cross the line and start climbing.
“People drive over that mark every day on their way to work, so when the time comes and the ground starts shaking they will know where to go,” says Mecoy.
