Severe weather warnings in New Zealand which might cause damage to property.
Here’s advice on how to prepare, minimise damage, and stay safe.
Stay up to date with weather warnings in your area by visiting the MetService weather warnings webpage, metservice.co.nz/warnings. If there is an alert in your area, follow advice from Civil Defence, civildefence.govt.nz and your local authorities.
Protecting your property.
Prepare your home, belongings and vehicles to prevent or limit potential damage, if it is safe to do so.
Outdoors
Check that your gutters, spouting, and culverts are clear.
Tie down large items, like trampolines and outdoor furniture. If you can, turn trampolines upside down to minimise the risk of them lifting.
Move smaller items indoors and secure any loose items outside.
Retract or stow away shade sails and umbrellas.
Treat any flood water as blackwater (water contaminated with sewage), staying safe by wearing heavy duty gloves, boots, and a face mask if you come into contact with it. Avoid it altogether if possible.
Indoors
If there’s risk of flooding, move valuables, appliances and furniture off the floor, if you’re able to.
Vehicles
Avoid driving during the storm if you don’t need to.
Don’t drive through flood water.
If you can, park on higher ground and away from culverts and waterways.
Park away from large trees, powerlines and muddy, boggy ground where possible.
Boats
Check mooring lines and fittings are secure and in good condition.
Ensure loose items are stowed away or secured, and hatches and seacocks are closed.
Make sure deck and cockpit drains are clear, and bilge pumps are operating correctly.
For more information on how to stay safe in a storm or flood, visit getready.govt.nz.
Temporary accommodation if you’re told to evacuate.
If a local authority (such as a government agency, Police, Fire and Emergency, or Civil Defence) has confirmed you must evacuate your home, and your policy covers you for temporary accommodation, you can go ahead and arrange a place to stay.
