HELPFUL ADVICE AND TIPS

Severe weather events and civil defence emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Trust your danger sense, don’t wait for an official alert. 

Check out the tips below on what to do before, during and after storms and floods. 

Stay informed

Facebook

• Ōtorohanga District Council Facebook page
• Civil Defence Waikato Facebook page
• NZ Civil Defence Facebook page 

Weather

• MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi
• About MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Radio

• Radio New Zealand
• Newstalk ZB

Roads

• District roads: Roading updates including road closures
• State Highways:
  • NZTA Waka Kotahi highway conditions
  • NZTA Waka Kotahi online journey planner 

Storms: What to do

When a storm is forecast

• Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.
• Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood can become missiles in strong winds.
• Bring pets indoors. They can get unsettled by storms and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

During a storm

• Stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.
• Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.
• Stay informed during an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services.
• Avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use your water from your emergency supplies.
• Unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.

After a storm

• Keep listening to the radio or following your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. They will give you information and instructions.
• Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary.
• Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.
• Contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged. Ask your council for advice on how to clean up debris safely.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall, flooding, landslides and debris hazards, especially when driving.
  
  

If your property is damaged

• Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.
• Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims.

Floods: What to do

If flooding is possible

• Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.
• Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
• Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
• Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.
• Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.
• Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.

During a flood

• Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Don't drive through flood water. 
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground.
• Stay out of flood water. Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
• Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.

What to do after a flood

• Only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so. It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded.
• Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.
• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.
• Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

If your property is damaged

• Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.
• Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims.

If your house receives a white, yellow or red placard

• What the colours mean
  • ⚪️ White - safe to occupy, but keep an eye out for any damage. 
  • 🟡 Yellow - limited access only. Some areas may be restricted and used under supervision.
  • 🔴 Red - do not enter due to damage or land risk. This doesn’t always mean the building will be demolished.
• Check out this factsheet about red and yellow stickers.
• Watch MBIE's video to learn more about the assessment system.
• Homeowner support
  New Zealand Claims Resolution Service: This free government service provides homeowners with independent advice and support to resolve residential insurance issues resulting from natural disasters.
• Visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz

Food safety after a flood

• Throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any boil water notice instructions from your local authorities.
• For more information on food safety during and after an emergency visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Cleaning up after a flood

• Clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your home after a flood.
• Mould may make some people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems sick.
• Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded. If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.
• Protect yourself by wearing:
  • a certified respirator
  • goggles
  • gloves
  • protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and
  • sturdy footwear.
• Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.
• Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There is no way to safely clean them.
• Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water.

Help services

The following services are available if you or someone you know in Ōtorohanga District Council needs help:

• Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
  • Financial assistance, welfare support, accommodation help.
  • Call 0800 559 009 or visit your local MSD office.
• Rural Support Trust
• Confidential support for farmers, growers, and rural whānau dealing with stress, damage or loss.
• Call 0800 787 254
• Visit: www.rural-support.org.nz
• Here to Help U
  • One stop support for food parcels, financial hardship, mental health, social services and more.
  • Visit www.heretohelpu.nz
  • Call 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request
• Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Visit: www.getready.govt.nz/emergency/mental-wellbeing

Prepare for civil defence emergencies

How to prepare for emergencies: Visit the Government's Get Ready website. 

Information includes: 

• Talk about the impacts
• Work out what supplies you need
• Make a plan
• Tailor your plan
• Stay informed
• Make your home safer