
Get prepared for severe weather and storms
Before
- Keep up to date with weather forecasts by visiting MetService.com.
- A good first step to ensure you are prepared for a severe weather event is to create a plan - identify a safe place in your home to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors. These could break during a thunderstorm and cause injury.
- Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. You should regularly inspect and trim trees and shrubbery.
- Have materials and tools ready to repair damage to windows, such as tarpaulins, boards, and duct tape.
- If you have livestock ensure they are moved to a safe place away from floodwaters, landslides, powerlines and isolated trees.
- Visit our Emergency Supplies page to find out what you may need.
- Review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back on your feet if you suffer damage in a disaster.
During
- When a storm is forecast you should tie down, or bring inside, anything that strong winds could pick up or break. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.
- Remove any debris or loose items, such as branches and firewood, from around your property. Bring pets indoors as they can become unsettled during a storm.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need help.
- When a storm occurs, stay inside and don't drive unless absolutely necessary. Close all windows and doors and pull curtains and blinds over windows where possible.
- Stay informed: Follow the instructions of emergency services. Listen to radio and follow our Facebook page WREMOnz and Twitter WREMOinfo.
- 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
- Continue listening to the radio and follow us on facebook and Twitter for further information. Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
- 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 hazardous debris, particularly while 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