Disastrous floods have struck most parts of New Zealand. Floods are the most common cause of a civil defence emergency. Assume that you will have to cope with a flood. Several so-called “100-year” floods can happen in quick succession. To reduce the impact on you and your loved ones, there are measures you can take.
Before a Flood Strikes
- Check with your local council to find out about the worst flood in your locality and how high it rose. Calculate where such a flood would reach in your home.
- Know how to reach the nearest high ground and make it part of your emergency plan. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate and make sure all family members are aware of this plan.
- Keep your valuables and a survival kit above what you judge to be the high-water mark.
- Store weed killers, insecticides and other chemicals above your estimated high-water mark.
- Consider building some form of storage above your ceiling.
- Check with your local or regional council about present and future plans for building flood protection schemes in your locality.
- Keep your insurance cover up-to-date.
When a Flood Threatens
- Listen to your radio for information. Follow Civil Defence advice and instructions.
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
- Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, medicines and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
- Take your Survival Kit with you if you have to leave your home. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
- Take your pets with you.
During a Flood
- Act quickly! Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains.
- Do not drive around barricades...they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
- Don’t go into floodwaters alone.
- Don’t go sightseeing through flooded areas.
- Don’t drink floodwater. It could be contaminated.
- Regardless, the rule for being safe is simple: head for the high ground and stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming or driving through such swift water.
