Earthquake Communication

Post Earthquake Communication
Dear Parent / Caregiver
Immediate Post Earthquake Communication

Communication is a real issue after any earthquake because of the tunnel closure. After much investigation texting seems to be the best way to communicate after an earthquake as the majority of parents will not have immediate access to a computer, the power will be out or they will be in transit. I have spoken to telecommunication companies and asked about the reliability of bulk texting. They can give no guarantees because of overloading and outages. This still seems to be the most reliable way to inform parents and caregivers of the immediate situation at school. I have the ability to bulk text from my phone and we have purchased a Mobile Broadband USB Modem so that other staff also have the ability to bulk text.

Communication via Radio

We will attempt to contact radio stations to give updates. The stations that we will contact are:
- Volcano Radio
- More FM
- Radio Live

Communication at Tunnel Control

The closure of the tunnel is an issue. Many parents walked over the hill from Heathcote to Lyttelton after the February earthquake. I have assurances that tunnel control will put up a sign or have information for parents / caregivers at tunnel control on the state of the school. This will mean that parents can take their time and ensure their own safety if they know their children are safe. We have cell phone contact details of tunnel control. If there are workers on this side of the tunnel they will immediately come to school to check on our safety. They will communicate to tunnel control via Radio Telephone.

Other Communication

We will email as we have done in the past and also post updates on the front page of our website. We are also investigating the use of facebook as a means of communication. Expect a survey on this at some stage in the near future.

If we leave school to go to the civil defence headquarters at the Lyttelton Rec Centre we will leave whiteboards outside the school giving details. We will also text this information.

I have been in contact with the local fire department in an attempt to set up a communication system with them (perhaps a pager) so we can let them know if we are OK or need assistance. I am still waiting on a reply. I will chase this one up.

We will also be in contact with the local medical centre if assistance is needed.


Medical Equipment

We have purchased 100 survival blankets and have a large supply of fresh water and hand sanitisers
In addition to our standard medical supplies we have sought advice from doctors on what supplies we would need in the event of a major incident where there were multiple injuries. The suggestion is that we make up seven kits and place these in different locations in the school. This means that if one area of the school is isolated we can still access supplies. These kits will be specifically for emergency and will not be used for everyday activities.

Check Your Contact Details

If you have moved since the earthquake or if any of your contact details have changed including cell phone or email please contact Vicki in the office with your current information.

In the event of a major emergency it would be good for all parents to have an emergency contact that lives on this side of the tunnel. Could you please contact Vicki in the office with a current emergency contact also.

General Information

I would like to thank you for your support of the school and your children during this difficult time. The one positive is that I believe that this amazing community has been brought even closer together.

The students are really enjoying being back at school. We have noticed that students are a little on edge and a bit “scratchy” at times. This is perfectly normal under the circumstances but could you please ensure children are getting enough sleep. I do understand that this is difficult with aftershocks and different living circumstances.

As a school we have had a flood of letters / postcards / gifts and monetary donations. This correspondence is both local, national and international. We have been doing our best to respond to every letter and donation through the students but we have had to resort to Vicki and I sending letters on behalf of the students. The donations that we have received are being put towards art resources, art therapy, medical supplies, activities (top town day), and communication.

If you have any ideas of how we could further improve communication or systems please let me know. Once again thank you for your support. Have a fantastic and safe Easter holiday break.

Kind regards

Andrew Barker
Principal