Preparing for severe weather

Cyclone Gita is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds when it hits New Zealand. MetService is predicting its probable track is across central NZ or the top of the South Island on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This means preparing for the possibility of power cuts, water outages and road closures that could leave you or your loved ones stranded. It’s also a good idea to have a grab bag ready in case you need to evacuate. If you don’t have a household emergency plan, now’s the time to sit down with your family or flatmates and get it done,” says the Ministry’s Director, Sarah Stuart-Black.

Storm tips:

• Secure, or move inside, anything that could cause damage in strong winds

• Close windows and doors, close curtains to prevent injury from breaking windows

• Stay inside and bring your pets inside. If you have to leave, take them with you

• Listen to the radio and follow the instructions of emergency services

• Avoid non-essential travel during severe weather, and never drive through floodwater

For more information on what to do before, during and after a storm or flood – and to make a household emergency plan – visit www.happens.nz

Local Civil Defence information will be issued by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group. To find yours, visit www.civildefence.govt.nz/find-your-civil-defence-group/

For the latest weather information, visit www.metservice.com

In an emergency, always call 111.