As Aucklanders put the finishing touches on their holiday season plans, there’s one last thing to check off the list – update your household emergency plan!
Auckland Emergency Management’s General Manager Adam Maggs says a few quick actions now can make a big difference in an emergency.
“In amongst that final dash towards the end of the year, or preparing for Christmas or making holiday plans, it’s important not to forget your household emergency response plan.
“Summer weather can pack a punch, with sudden downpours and gusty winds causing surface flooding, blockages and general disruption.
“Setting aside time to check the gutters and drains on your property, and check or top up your emergency kit, will make a big difference if an emergency situation happens.
“If you’re heading away, do a quick sweep of your property and make sure loose items like garden furniture are tied down, covered or stored away.
“With many people travelling or hosting visitors, it’s a good time to check your wider emergency plans too – what might you do if you need to leave your home due to flooding; manage during a power outage or shelter in place for a few days?
“Making sure we’re all summer weather-ready and have a household response plan is a quick and easy way to stay safe and be prepared to cope in an emergency,” he says.
Don’t forget to follow the forecast
Stay up to date by regularly checking on MetService – Te Ratonga Tirorangi
Severe summer weather can be a surprise to many people due to the speed it changes and its unpredictable nature. While weather events may pass quickly, they can bring intense downpours of rain, strong winds and, sometimes, tornadoes.
“Summer is cyclone season in the tropics and down here in Aotearoa we often catch the tail end of a cyclone or messy weather system that still has enough intensity to cause damage and disruption,” says Mr Maggs.
“Heat and humidity can also be accompanied by rain and windy conditions. Regular checks of the weather forecast are a great way of making weather-proof plans this summer.
“On the flip side our friends at Fire and Emergency New Zealand are reminding people to watch out for hot dry conditions too. Being fire wise includes checking before you light outdoor fires – it only takes one spark to set off a devastating wildfire.”
Visit checkitsalright.nz to find out more about reducing fire risk and staying safe.
Our plan: supporting you
Auckland Emergency Management works with response agencies and community groups to prepare and plan for emergencies, respond when the worst happens and help coordinate recovery efforts.
“2024 has been a busy year for us,” says Mr Maggs.
“We’ve delivered a new Group Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau – this is a refreshed look at how we all work together to plan for, mitigate and respond to the hazards and emergency situations that might affect our region.
“We have worked with our local boards to develop community-based readiness and response plans that focus on building resilience and preparedness.
“And we’ve implemented some operational changes to boost our own capabilities for monitoring, coordinating and responding to emergency situations.
“Over the holiday break we’ll have a team on standby watching the weather forecasts, keeping in touch with our partner agencies and ready to scale up if they’re needed,” he says.
Cr Sharon Stewart, Chair of the council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee echoes Auckland Emergency Management’s advice.
“We hope that all Aucklanders have a happy, relaxing and – importantly – safe summer and the best way to influence that is to make sure you’re up to date with your household emergency plan.
“So whether you’re at home, off on holiday or working through the holiday period, please don’t forget to keep an eye on the forecast and know what you’ll do if you need to respond quickly,” she says.
Summer weather tips
Before a severe weather event
- Be prepared– pay attention to weather forecasts, plan your travel around them and prepare yourself before the weather hits.
- Make a plan– make sure family, friends and flatmates know where to meet or what you’ll do in case of emergency.
- Make trees more wind-resistant by removing diseased or damaged branches.
- Clear away leaves and other debris from gutter and drains to prevent blockage and flooding or water damage.
- Have torches and batteries, a full gas bottle for your BBQ and a battery-operated radio ready if the power goes out.
- If you need power to pump water or operate septic systems, you should have an alternate plan in place for if the power goes out.
- If where you live is isolated or you may get cut off, make sure you’ve got everything you need to keep going for a day or two.
When severe weather is forecast
- Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.
- 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 may become missiles in strong winds.
- Clear debris and leaves from external drains and gutters to prevent overflow or water damage in heavy rain.
- Bring pets indoors. They can be unsettled by severe weather and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.
- Ensure livestock are not gathered under an isolated tree or anything that presents a risk from a lightning strike.
- Moor boats securely or move to a designated safe location.
- Use rope or chain to secure boat trailers. Use tie-downs to anchor a trailer to the ground or to a building.
During a severe summer weather event
- Listen to advice provided by Auckland Emergency Management and emergency services and follow their instructions.
- Secure your whare/home and critical buildings by closing windows and shutters, if you have them. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This can prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.
- Close all interior and external doors. Closed doors will help prevent damaging winds from entering rooms.
- Take extreme care with items that may conduct electricity if your whare/home is struck by lightning.
After a severe weather event
- Check on neighbours, especially those that are elderly or vulnerable and if you can’t help, alert emergency services.
- If out and about, never drive through floodwaters and always drive to the conditions.
- Report fallen trees, blocked drains or debris on public property to Auckland Council online.
- Contact your insurance company or insurance broker as soon as possible. Take photos of damage. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
For more tips on severe weather, visit our website.
Follow Auckland Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated and informed.
