Workshop about planning for emergencies

A workshop for older people about planning for emergencies will be held at the Ettalong senior citizens' centre on November 4.

Central Coast Council will run the workshop, which is designed to help residents aged 50 and over to prepare for bush fire, heatwave, storms, destructive winds, floods and hail storms.

Council director Ms Julie Vaughan said the workshop would address two significant local features: the large senior population and relatively frequent severe weather events.

"We're no strangers to severe weather events on the Coast and this is why we've designed free workshops specifically tailored to help our seniors be better prepared for emergencies when they do strike," Ms Vaughan said.

"A connected and prepared community responds more effectively during an emergency and recovers faster.

"Emergency preparation is particularly important for our senior population who may be more vulnerable in emergency situations," Ms Vaughan said.

She said the workshop would help attendees understand their strengths, resources and vulnerabilities in emergency events.

It aimed to build resilience and self-reliance in the face of extreme weather through greater planning and personal preparedness.

It aimed to encourage residents to build strategies to stay safe during extreme weather and natural disasters; and to share an understanding of how to build long-term community resilience.

Mayor Cr Lisa Matthews said: "We are well into what will be a long and difficult bush fire season and major storm systems hit our region regularly.

"If you're over 50, I'd encourage you to get along," Cr Matthews said.

The workshop will run from 9:30am to 11:30am and registration at the Ettalong 50 Plus Leisure and Learning Centre is required ahead of the event.

SOURCE:

Media release, 24 Oct 2019

Lisa Matthews, Central Coast Council