Emergency Management

Staff and students could be at school for three days, maybe more. In a major event while people can rely on emergency services and civil defence to do their job, the reality is that this demand is likely to be overwhelming for all agencies in the immediate aftermath of an event. It could be up to three days before essential services such as water, power and telecommunications are restored, and damaged infrastructure (roads, rail, bridges) repaired. This is when individuals and communities are most vulnerable and it is essential that they plan to be able to look after themselves for at least three days. Here at Tawatawa - Ridgway we are committed to keeping everyone safe, we do this by having resources available (kai, water, staff).

Kai Collection, Storage and Cycling Procedure

The school has two types of kai supplies as part of the Emergency Management Plan. There is a whole school supply kept in a single secure location and classroom supplies (individual kai bags), stored in each classroom. We involve our parent community to help with the emergency kai supplies.

Whole School Kai Supply

Every two years we ask whānau for two food items. For example:

1 can item - Spaghetti, Baked Beans, Creamed Corn, or Fruit...

1 packet item - a box of Muesli Bars, a big box of Raisins or a box of Barley Sugars...

These food items will be given to a food bank after two years, or kept if they have not expired.

Individual Student Emergency Kai Bag

Every tamariki receives a named plastic bag at the beginning of the year (or when they start) this is to be used for emergency kai for your tamariki. This bag will be given to your tamariki if you are delayed in picking them up from school after an emergency event.

Things to consider:

All kai items must:

• last at least 12 months
• fit into the bag
• be something your child will want to eat

The bottle of water must be:

• unopened/sealed
• 750ml or smaller

These items will stay in a secure location within the classroom until the end of the year, and then they will be given back to the tamariki on the last day of school.

Water Supply

We have a range of water containers full of water and our new sandpit water tank.

Common Questions and Answers

What happens to my tamariki while at school during an earthquake? Students at Tawatawa - Ridgway are taught earthquake safety response procedures. Teachers practise these procedures regularly throughout the year.

What happens to my tamariki in case of fire at the school? Students are taught fire safety procedures. Teachers practise these procedures regularly throughout the year.

What about other emergencies?

In the event of an emergency:

Contact us at the office with questions or ideas: office@ridgway.school.nz or call 939 8771.