Chapter 17 - Natural Hazards 17.2.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of extreme meteorological events. Policy 1.1 Adopt measures which are cost/ benefit efficient. Policy 1.2 Adopt measures which are based on sound information. Policy 1.3 Adopt measures which in themselves do not give rise to adverse environmental effects. Policy 1.4 Adopt equitable measures when the solution relies on remedial steps to be taken, as is the case when water rationing is implemented. Through increased knowledge of hazards, Emergency Response, engineering responses and the application of the Resource Management Act, the community is now better placed than it has ever been to respond to the effects of natural hazards. Nevertheless measures adopted need to be cost effective and equitable. 17.2.3 Methods of Implementation Rules Plan rules will be used to ration allocatable water during periods of drought. Plan provisions encourage the storage of water. Research The Council will conduct research into previous meteorological events and assess the costs to the district of severe events. The Council will conduct research into effective forecasting methods. Liaison The Council will liaise with government agencies to ensure observation networks are maintained so that the frequency of severe events may be better defined and the impact of significant events better determin ed. Emergency The Council will maintain emergency procedures in Response association with Emergency Respon se. Education The Council will develop and provide material on methods to avoid or mitigate the effects of severe meteorological hazards. Appropriate responses vary for different types of meteorological hazards. Controlling the natural event is generally not possible except for hazards like snow avalanches and flooding which are indirect results of meteorological events, but even for these, this approach should not be totally relied upon. Only a few of the hazards discussed are amenable to the use of rules in Plans. Consequently for meteorological hazards, there is heavy reliance on forecasts and warnings, emergency preparedness and ultimately loss bearing responses such as subsidies, insurance and public relief. 17 - 3