Floods, fires, droughts and quakes - in Mid Canterbury, we’ve had them all.

That’s why it’s important for our town, and people, to practise what to do in an emergency.

Civil Defence ran a region-wide training exercise on Thursday, testing council emergency responses to natural disasters and prepping them for the real deal.

The exercise doubled as a chance to see the Ashburton District Council’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) fully operating for the first time.

This centre is an upgrade from the previous council building, compliance and development group manager Ian Hyde said.

“The building itself is constructed to the IL4 standard, which is used for critical facilities such as hospitals,” he said, which will keep it safe in a disaster.

It’s kitted out for a worst-case scenario with a dedicated radio tower and diesel generator.

In a crisis, the council’s job is to work around-the-clock to delegate resources and help where they’re needed most.

Local groups like the Rural Support Trust have served those functions for farmers in the past, and Hyde said their knowledge is invaluable.

“They have the knowledge, relationships and resources in place to effectively support their affected communities.”

Hyde said floods were the most common natural hazard for the district, but earthquake preparation was vital.

“Particularly [with] the Alpine Fault which, according to the experts, is likely to rupture within our lifetimes.”

Droughts, windstorms and biosecurity threats have plagued the region too.

“The people of Mid Canterbury have proven to be highly resilient and supportive of each other when disaster has struck in the past,” Hyde said, “so there's no doubt that our community would rally together to get through any future emergency.”

But he warns people not to get complacent.

“Locally, Civil Defence is dependent on a relatively small number of volunteers.”

“It’s important that people have their own emergency preparations in place and can look after themselves until help arrives.”

Outside of emergencies or large-scale simulations, the centre is used for general Civil Defence training and monthly shift practices.

• Anisha Satya