Different environments bring different challenges to earthquake preparedness.
Clem Le Lievre of Klemlyn Dairies Ltd is well aware of this and is taking steps to identify and minimize hazards as well as consider an evacuation plan. Le Lievre was involved in ShakeOut 2012 in an office setting and this experience made him consider the different risks in different settings.
Situated on the Rangitaiki Plains, Klemlyn Dairies is between Edgecumbe and Matata in the Bay of Plenty. The small dairy farm of 220 head of cattle sustained minor damage to buildings and significant drainage issues during the Edgecumbe earthquake in 1987 and has a subsidiary fault running through the property. The farm is also on the edge of the tsunami inundation zone making evacuation plans difficult and important.
Part of Klemlyn Dairies preparation includes identifying and minimizing hazards and developing an evacuation plan. Le Leivre has identified hazards around the milking shed such as a 5000L water tank above one exit, a grain silo, power lines and an effluent pond and is taking steps to fix and fasten what he can. Additionally, Le Lievre is evaluating how quickly activity can continue. “Last time there was no power to milk the cows or chill milk and the dairy company could not collect anyway. We also need to be sure the cows have a water supply if the reticulation system is damaged.”
To develop an evacuation plan Le Lievre is going to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for more information about tsunami risk in the area. He has already identified getting to higher ground involves crossing a river where the bridge could become damaged. Another evacuation route is across the plains which could be within the flood path of the Matahina dam close by.
Klemlyn Dairies ShakeOut drill will be held at 3pm on 15 October, just before milking when the cows are in the shed. Staff will be in the pit where there is nothing to hold onto or shelter under. The recommended drill for this environment is to drop to the ground, sit against the wall and protect your neck and head with your arms. Le Leivre muses “What could fall on us - the milk-line, receiving can, a cow?”
The main objective for Klemlyn Dairies when participating in ShakeOut is safety. Le Lievre has spent considerable time identifying and reducing hazards around the dairy farm and forming an evacuation plan.
For more ideas on what to do before during and after an earthquake in different environments visit www.getthru.govt.nz
