Tauranga's Natural Hazards: Be Prepared

Year 7 Geography Understanding Our Local Risks Mission: To learn about natural hazards in our community and how to stay safe

What is a Natural Hazard?

Natural Event: Normal weather like rain or wind Natural Hazard: When natural events threaten people and property Emergency: A situation requiring immediate action to protect lives Example: Rain is natural, but flooding that damages homes is a hazard

Tauranga's Main Natural Hazards

The Science Behind Our Hazards

{"left":"Earthquakes in Tauranga: Caused by movement of tectonic plates along fault lines like the Kerepehi Fault\nThe Pacific and Australian plates meet near New Zealand creating seismic activity","right":"Tsunamis in Bay of Plenty: Generated by underwater earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire\nLarge waves can travel across the Pacific Ocean and reach our coastline within hours"}

Impact Assessment: Direct vs Indirect

Create a T-chart for a major earthquake in Tauranga Left side: Direct Impacts - what happens immediately Right side: Indirect Impacts - what happens days/weeks later Think about: buildings, roads, schools, families, businesses, community

Why Do We Need to Be Prepared?

Discussion: What would happen if a tsunami warning was issued right now? How long would it take to reach high ground? Do you know where your family would meet? What supplies would you need?

Your Family Emergency Plan

Meeting Place: Where will your family gather if separated? Out-of-town Contact: Someone to call to say you're safe Emergency Kit: Water, food, first aid, radio, torch Practice: Regular family discussions and drills

Be Prepared, Not Scared

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" - Benjamin Franklin Knowledge + Planning = Safety Understanding hazards helps us live safely in Tauranga