What to do during a storm
- Listen to advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services and follow any instructions.
- Put your household emergency plan into action and check your grab bag in case you have to leave in a hurry.
- Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.
- Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This can prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.
- If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house.
- Avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use your water from your emergency supplies.
- Don't walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
- Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
- Know the warning signs of landslides so you can act quickly if you see them. Learn more at getready.govt.nz/landslides
- Stay away from the landslide area until it has been properly inspected and authorities give the all clear.
If there is flooding
- Never walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
- If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Learn more about what to do before, during and after flooding at getready.govt.nz/floods
If you have no power
- Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost, unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
- Treat every powerline as live, even if it’s on the ground. Call your local network provider to report any powerlines that are down or are at risk of coming down.
- Eat the food in your fridge first, then your freezer – remember the more times you open the door, the quicker things will go off. After that eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
- Use torches or batter powered devices for lighting if the power goes out. Avoid using candles and oil lamps. Candles cause fires and are quiet and easily forgotten.
- You may be able to charge your phone with your car’s battery using a car charger.
- Do not use outdoor gas appliances such as patio heaters, camping cookers and barbecues indoors.
Links to information about:
What support is available and where you can get help
What to do before, during and after a storm.