Flooding Updates & Advice
Updated: Jan 31, 2023
By: Neighbourhood Support NZ
Tuesday January 31st, 3:00pm
NZ Civil Defence have issued the following key actions to take to prepare yourself and your home for severe weather:
Stay informed. Listen to the radio or follow your local Emergency Management Group online.
Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan. See if you have materials and tools around the house ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
Keep up to date on the current weather warnings in your area on MetService New Zealand .
Identify a safe place in your home to gather during a storm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. These could break in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
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.
Tie down your trampoline and other heavy outdoor objects. Remove anything that could become a damaging missile.
Have supplies including food and medications ready in case of any power outages or if you are isolated for a period. Get together a grab bag and a plan in case you need to evacuate.
Find more information on getting ready for severe weather at: getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms.
Stay safe and don't take any risks.
Monday January 30th, 5:30pm
For people in Auckland neighbourhoods who need extra assistance or support during the current flooding events, here are the key emergency contact details and information... https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/major-incident/flooding-2023.
People in the disability community may also find the following information valuable... https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/news/auckland-state-of-emergency/.
Those in need of financial support will benefit from the following information about available Civil Defence Payments... https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/civil-defence-payment.html.
Whilst Auckland remains in a state of emergency, many other regions are also being affected by severe weather events so we continue to encourage all neighbourhoods to follow updates from their local Councils, local Emergency Management groups, MetService and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Monday January 30th, 2:00pm With more bad weather predicted, here are a few simple things that you can do to prepare and assist your neighbourhood if it is impacted by flooding…
Check in with your neighbours, especially those who might be vulnerable or live alone (remember, not everyone can read a text or hear a phone call).
If it is safe to do so, reach your neighbours via a note in the mailbox to let them know you're available to help (you can use this template... https://tinyurl.com/nsnz-i-can-help or hand write your own).
If you have a Neighbourhood Plan (https://tinyurl.com/nsnz-plan) - put it into action.
Share resources with those who live around you if you are able (and if it is safe to do so).
Check MetService New Zealand regularly for weather updates, stay aware of the weather watches and warnings at http://bit.ly/AllWarnings and follow the advice of your local emergency management group.
If it is safe to do so, clear leaves and debris from gutters, driveways and sidewalks.
DO NOT enter flood water - it can be polluted and swifter than it appears.
Monday January 30th, 12:30pm
As neighbourhoods across the country deal with flooding, slips, road closures and evacuations, we remind everyone to #ReachOut, #LookOut, and #HelpOut your neighbours (as long as it is SAFE to do so!), especially those who might be vulnerable, with a disability, or living on their own.
In widespread situations like we are currently facing, it is very difficult for emergency services to get everywhere all at once, so a community led response is critical.
We acknowledge and thank Neighbourhood Support members across the country who have been out there door knocking over the weekend to check on the welfare of those who live around them.
ENDS
About Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient, and connected communities. Over 220,000 households are part of our growing network. Neighbourhood Support work alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another so that our communities are great places to live.
Address (appointment only)
C/O Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street
Thorndon, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Email - info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Phone - 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
Twitter - https://twitter.com/nsnewzealand