4. Community Readiness 4.1 Overview Community readiness focuses on the ability of communities, families and individuals to be able to meet their own needs during and after an emergency. CDEM engages with a number of community organisations to foster a resilient mind set which will lead to action on the ground. 4.1.1 Principles Individuals and communities must be able to care for themselves and each other, as much as possible, when the normal functions of daily life are disrupted. CDEM arrangements support and encourage local ownership of this self-care responsibility. 4.1.2 Issues and Priorities Marlborough CDEM has identified the following issues in relation to community readiness: Marlborough has a very high percentage of older people who are particularly vulnerable. High numbers of overseas workers and tourists are particularly unprepared for any emergency situations. Residents in the main metropolitan areas are generally unprepared for significant emergencies involving food supplies, water and power alternatives. The annual Clued Up Kids programme has proven to be effective in educating school children about what to do in an emergency. Existing Community Response Plans are out of date and many communities do not have one. Social media has an increasingly significant role to play. MCDEM have developed a number of public education programmes, including Never Happens? Happens. The CDEM section of Council’s website has been updated to increase the focus on personal and community readiness.. Continue to work alongside stakeholders and volunteer organisations to educate remote communities about their vulnerabilities inherent in living in the rural areas of Marlborough. A series of business continuity workshops have been delivered to non-government organisations (NGOs), school principals and others. 4.1.3 Objectives In response to the issues identified above, the Marlborough CDEM has set the following objectives: 1. Develop educational material for the more vulnerable members of the Marlborough community. 2. Increase the community’s preparedness levels to existing and emerging hazards. 3. Promote MCDEM educational initiatives on being prepared and ensure they are targeted at the Marlborough communities most at risk. 4. Use social media wisely so as to engage with the widest audience across the District. Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan, 2017-2022 Page 32