New Zealand has lots of different natural hazards. Earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, flooding, severe weather, volcanic activity.

Other hazards include climate and coastal erosion, fire, pandemic, drought, animal and plant pests and diseases, and hazardous substances. 

Who manages these hazards? 

When there is an emergency, the agency leading the response depends on the type of hazard. Various agencies work together to manage emergencies and keep people safe. 

It is important to learn about these hazards and the potential risks in your area, so you can be prepared and make good decisions considering these hazards and risks. 

 

Understanding hazards

A study was undertaken by the Waikato Regional Council in 2017 and produced a report of what the likely hazards and their possible consequences could be and impact us. A summary of this report is displayed as a chart Waitomo Hazards Matrix (DOCX 40 KB) (DOCX 40 KB)…There are four categories of severity, with those hazards grouped together.

For more information, including information on how to get ready go to: getready.govt.nz

 

 

Floods

Floods happen often in New Zealand and can cause a lot of damage and loss of life.

Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Go immediately to higher ground.

 

What to do during a flood

Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

Stay out of flood water

Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.

If flooding is possible:

Stay informed in an emergency.

Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online

Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near

Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities.

Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe. 

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.

Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.

Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals.

Use watertight containers to store important items.

Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.

Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help

 

What to do after a flood

Only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so.

It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded.

Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.

Look before you step.

After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

 

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.

 

Food safety after a flood

Throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods.

Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any boil water notice instructions from your local authorities.

For more information on food safety during and after an emergency visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Cleaning up after a flood

Clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your home after a flood.

Mould may make some people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems sick.Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded.

If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.

Protect yourself by wearing:

• a certified respirator
• goggles
• gloves
• protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and
• sturdy footwear.

Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.

Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There is no way to safely clean them.

Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water.

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Severe Weather - Thunderstorms

New Zealand often gets hit my storms due to our position in the world. Storms can bring heavy rain, hail, lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes.

Be aware that storms can trigger floods and landslides. Make sure you know how to respond.

Severe weather top tips

• Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
• 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.
• If your property is damaged, 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.

Reduce the impacts of storms

Prepare your property for high winds. Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. Anything not secured may become a projectile.

Regularly inspect and trim trees and shrubbery. Strong winds frequently break weak tree limbs and throw them at great speed. They can cause damage and injury.

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.

 

Get ready before a storm

Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.

Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan. Have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.

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 in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

Know which paddocks are safe if you have livestock. To prevent risks from lightning, move livestock away from:

• floodwaters
• landslides
• power lines, and
• isolated trees.

Be aware that storms can trigger floods and landslides.  Make sure you know how to respond.

 

What to do during a storm

When a storm is forecast

Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up. 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 can become missiles in strong winds.

Bring pets indoors. They can get unsettled by storms and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.

Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

 

During a storm

Stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.

Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.

Stay informed during an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services.

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.

 

What to do after a storm

Keep listening to the radio or following your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. They will give you information and instructions.

Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

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 debris hazards, especially when 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.

 

Severe weather warnings

MetService provides land-based severe weather alerts. These are issued through a system of Outlooks, Watches and Warnings.

- Outlooks — stay alert

Outlooks provide a 'heads up' that bad weather is coming in the next 3–6 days but there is some uncertainty about what might happen and where. Stay alert to the forecast and be prepared that you may be affected. 

 

- Watches — stay alert

Watches are used when severe weather is possible, but not imminent or certain. When a Watch is in place, stay alert and keep an eye on your local forecast for updates.

 

- Orange Warnings — take action

Orange warnings are used when bad weather will meet Severe Weather Criteria. This could be heavy rain, strong wind or heavy snow.

When there is an Orange Warning, be prepared and take action as appropriate as there could be some disruption to your day and potential risk to people, animals and property. The majority of warnings issued by MetService will be orange.

 

- Red Warnings — take immediate action, act now!

Red warnings are used for extreme weather events that are likely to have significant impact and disruption. This could be for weather like heavy rain, strong wind or heavy snow from events like cyclones.

When there is a Red Warning, act now. Immediate action is needed to protect people, animals and property. Be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.

 

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Tornadoes

 

Tornadoes sometimes occur during thunderstorms in some parts of New Zealand. A tornado is a narrow, rotating column of air. It extends downwards to the ground from the base of a thunderstorm.

Know the warning signs for tornadoes:

• A long, continuous roar or rumble, or

• A fast approaching cloud of debris, which could be funnel shaped.

If you see a tornado funnel nearby, take shelter immediately. If you have one, shelter in a basement or an inside room with no windows or outside doors on the ground floor. Get under sturdy furniture and cover yourself with a mattress or blanket.

Alert others, if you can.

If caught outside, get away from trees if you can. Lie down flat in a nearby gully, ditch or low spot and protect your head.

If in a car, get out immediately and look for a safe place to shelter. Do not try to outrun a tornado or get under your vehicle for shelter.

 

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Snowstorms

In a snowstorm, you could lose heat, power and telephone service. You may have a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

If you live in a region at risk of snowstorms, make sure you have more than one form of power generation and heating. Check fuel supplies for woodburners, gas heaters, barbeques and generators.

Stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService. Pay attention to heavy snow warnings and road snowfall warnings. Avoid leaving home unless absolutely necessary when a snow warning is issued.

If you have to travel make sure you are well prepared. Take snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing and essential emergency items.

If you are in your car or truck in a snowstorm, stay in your vehicle. Run the engine every ten minutes to keep warm. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Open the window a little to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright-coloured cloth to your radio aerial or door and keep the inside light on.

 

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Earthquakes

 

All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes. We can’t predict when one will happen, but we can protect ourselves and our whānau. 

 

Reduce the impacts of earthquakes

Make your home safer. Fix and fasten objects that could fall and hurt you in an earthquake.

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.

 

Get ready before an earthquake

Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.

Practise Drop, Cover and Hold at least twice a year. You can do this when the clocks change and by taking part in New Zealand ShakeOut. It's important to practise the right action to take so that when a real earthquake happens, you know what to do.

Identify safe spaces to Drop, Cover and Hold within your home, school, work and other places you often visit.

Somewhere close to you, no more than a few steps away, to avoid injury from flying debris.

Under a strong table. Hold on to the table legs to keep it from moving away from you.

Away from windows that can shatter and cause injury. And from tall furniture that can fall on you. Protect your head and neck with your arms.

Not in a doorway. In most homes, doorways are not stronger than any other part of a house and a swinging door can cause more injury.

 

What to do during an earthquake

Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake. It:

• stops you being knocked over

• makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and

• protects your head, neck and vital organs.

• Do not run outside or you risk getting hit by falling bricks and glass.

• If you are near the coast remember, Long or Strong, Get Gone.

• Drop, Cover and Hold until the shaking is over.

• If the earthquake lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough to make it difficult to stand, move quickly to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can out of tsunami evacuation zones

 

What to do after an earthquake

Expect more shaking. Each time you feel earthquake shaking, Drop, Cover and Hold. More shaking can happen minutes, days, weeks, months and even years following an earthquake.

• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary.

• Do not run outside. It is frightening to stay in a building immediately after an earthquake, but it is much safer than going outside. An earthquake is not like a fire. You do not have to evacuate a building straight away unless it is showing obvious signs of distress or you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.

• Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window, get everyone out quickly and turn off the gas if you can.

• If you see sparks, broken wires or evidence of electrical system damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if it is safe to do so.

• If you can, put on protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and sturdy footwear. This is to protect yourself from injury by broken objects.

• If you are in a store, unfamiliar commercial building or on public transport, follow the instructions of those in charge.

• Use social media or text messages instead of calling to keep phone lines clear for emergency calls.

• Keep control of your pets. Protect them from hazards and protect other people from your animals.

• Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

 

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

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Tsunami

 

All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk of tsunami. Knowing the warning signs and the right action to take can help save lives. Find out what to do before, during and after a tsunami.

 

Reduce the impacts of tsunami

Find out your tsunami risk. Your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has tsunami evacuation zone maps and advice. Make sure you know where to go, whether you are at home, at work or out and about.

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.

 

Get ready before a tsunami

• Work out what supplies you may need and make a plan together.

• Know your tsunami evacuation zones. Make sure you know where to go, whether you are at home, at work or on holiday.

• Understand the different types of warnings: Natural, Official and Unofficial.

• Regularly practise your tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk).

 

What to do during a tsunami or when a tsunami warning is issued

Know the natural warning signs and take action!

For a local source tsunami, which could arrive in minutes, there won’t be time for an official warning. It is important to recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.

Drop, Cover and Hold if there is earthquake shaking. As soon as the shaking stops, move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can out of tsunami evacuation zones. Even if you can't get out of your evacuation zone, go as far or as high as you can. Every metre makes a difference.

If you are near a shore and experience any of the following, take action. Do not wait for official warnings.

• Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand or a long earthquake that lasts more than a minute

• See a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• Hear loud or unusual noises from the sea

• Remember, Long or Strong, Get Gone. 

• Walk, run or cycle if at all possible to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion.

• Take your animals with you only if it will not delay you. Do not spend time looking for them and if you are not at home, do not return to get them.

• While evacuating, avoid hazards caused by earthquake damage, especially fallen power lines.

• Do not return until you get an official all-clear message from Civil Defence.

 

Official warnings

When tsunami travel across the ocean from far away, we have more time to warn people what to do.

Civil Defence issues tsunami warnings in New Zealand.

Tsunami warnings are published on the National Emergency Management Agency's website(external link). Tsunami warnings will also be broadcast on radio and television. An Emergency Mobile Alert may also be issued if there is a threat of flooding of land areas.

Warnings may also be broadcast through:

• siren

• phone

• mobile text

• loud hailer, or

• other local arrangements.

Contact your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for more advice. They can tell you about the warnings used in your area.

Immediately follow the advice of any emergency warning. Do not wait for more messages before you act.

 

Unofficial or informal warnings

You might receive informal warnings. Informal warnings could come from:

• friends

• other members of the public

• international media, and

• the internet.

If the warning seems trustworthy, consider evacuating. Check the accuracy of the warning once you have evacuated or en route if it won't slow you down.

If official warnings are available, trust their message over informal warnings.

 

What to do after a Tsunami

Only return home once you are told it is safe to do so.

Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. They will give you information and instructions.

If there was an earthquake, expect more shaking. More earthquake shaking may generate another tsunami. Be prepared to evacuate.

Stay away from coastal water, tidal estuaries, rivers and streams for at least 24 hours after any tsunami or tsunami warning. Even small waves create dangerous currents.

Avoid areas impacted by the tsunami. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of tsunami flooding.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

 

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.

 

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Landslides

 

Landslides can happen without warning. They are often triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes and, in some cases, human activity. Find out what to do before, during and after a landslide.

 

Reduce the impacts of landslides

Check if your area might be prone to landslides. Areas that are prone to landslides include areas with:

• existing old landslides

• steep slopes

• drainage channels on steep slopes

• streams and riverbanks, or

• coastal cliffs.

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.

 

Get ready before a landslide

Get your household ready. Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.

Your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group can tell you if there have been landslides in your area before.

Know the warning signs so you can act quickly if you see them. Regularly inspect your property, especially after long dry spells, earthquakes or heavy rainfall. Look for:

• small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes

• sticking doors and window frames

• gaps where frames are not fitting properly

• outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house

• new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces; and

• tilting trees, retaining walls or fences.

Be alert when driving, especially where there are embankments along roadsides. Watch the road for collapsed pavements, mud and fallen rocks.

 

What to do during a landslide or if you think a landslide is about to happen

Get out of the path of the landslide quickly.

Evacuate if your home or the building you are in is in danger — take your grab bag and pets with you if you can do so quickly.

Warn neighbours and help others if you can.

Contact emergency services and your local council.

 

What to do after a landslide

Stay alert for future landslides.

Stay away from the landslide area until it has been properly inspected and authorities give the all clear.

Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.

Re-plant damaged ground as soon as possible. Erosion caused by the loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

 

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 claim.

 

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Volcanic Activity

 

Volcanic activity can include ashfall, falling rocks, hot gases and volcanic rock, lava flows, and massive mudflows. Find out what to do before, during and after volcanic activity.

 

Reduce the impacts of volcanic activity

Find out what the volcanic risk is in your area. Your local council may have resources and information on how to reduce potential damage.

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.

 

Get ready before volcanic activity

Find out about the volcanic risk in your community. Talk to your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to find out how they will warn you of a volcanic eruption.

Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.

If you are at risk from volcanic ash fall, add the following to your emergency supplies. Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke's Bay, northern Manawatū, Northland, Taranaki and Waikato are most at risk.

• Certified disposable dust masks (rated P2 or N95) and goggles

• Plastic wrap or plastic sheeting (to keep ash out of electronics)

• Cleaning supplies including an air duster, a broom, a shovel, and a vacuum cleaner with spare bags and filters

• Heavy-duty plastic bags to dispose of ash

You could be stuck in your vehicle, so remember to store emergency supplies there too.

 

What to do during volcanic activity

Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.

Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

Follow official advice from:

• your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

• the Department of Conservation (for Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu or Taranaki only)

• local authorities, and

• emergency services.

 

During ash fall

Put your emergency plan into action. Listen to the radio for updates. Follow instructions from emergency services and Civil Defence.

Stay indoors. Volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory difficulties such as asthma or bronchitis.

Do not attempt to clear ash from your roof while ash is falling.

Keep pets indoors.

Do not drive when there is ash on the road.

Avoid unnecessary exposure to ash until it has settled. If you have to go outside, wear protective clothing:

• a properly-fitted P2 or N95-rated mask (or a cloth if you don't have a mask)

• goggles

• sturdy footwear

• gloves, and

• clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Do not wear contact lenses because trapped ash can scratch your eyes. Wear glasses instead.

 

If ash fall has been forecast for your region

Before ash fall starts, go home if possible, to avoid driving or walking during ash fall.

If you have a visual impairment, wear eyeglasses. Do not wear contact lenses because trapped ash can scratch your eyes.

Bring pets inside and move livestock into closed shelters. Make sure that animals have supplementary feed and access to clean drinking water.

Close all windows and doors and shut down heat pumps to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Set up a single entry point for your house. Place damp towels at the threshold to prevent ash being tracked indoors.

Cover sensitive electronics. Do not remove covers until the indoor environment is completely ash free.

Cover vehicles, machinery and spa pools to avoid ash causing damage. Ash can corrode metal surfaces and cause abrasion damage to windscreens and paintwork.

Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank.

Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

 

What to do after a volcanic eruption

Continue to follow official advice from:

• your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

• the Department of Conservation (for Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu or Taranaki only)

• local authorities, and

• emergency services.

If you have evacuated, do not return home until told it is safe to do so.

Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.

Keep children indoors and discourage play in ash.

Keep animals indoors until ash is cleaned up or washed away. If pets go outside, brush them before letting them back indoors.

Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

 

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.

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Wildfires

 

In New Zealand, people cause 98% of wildfires. They can happen any time of year, so your actions make all the difference. Find out what to do before, during and after wildfires. 

 

Reduce the risk of wildfire

You don’t need to live in a rural area to be at risk from wildfire. If there’s vegetation close by and potential for someone to generate a spark, then there’s a wildfire risk.

Don’t wait until there’s smoke in the air to prepare. Help protect your property from wildfire.

Visit checkitsalright.nz(external link) to find practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of wildfire.

 

Get ready before a wildfire

Always check whether it’s safe to light a fire and if you’ll need a fire permit at checkitsalright.nz(external link).

Practice good fire safety when doing anything that could cause a spark.

Plan your escape route. When planning your route, you won’t always know what direction the fire is coming from. It’s important to have more than one way out.

Identify a safe zone that is clear of vegetation in case you can’t evacuate and have to shelter in place. You may need to shelter in place on your property or in your community. A safe zone might be somewhere that has:

• large areas of concrete,

• well-maintained short grass, or

• large volumes of water.

Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan with your whānau. Make sure you include your animals in your plan.

Know how you will stay informed. Emergency services will always try to alert you to an approaching wildfire. But there may not be time to issue an official warning. Be aware of what is happening in your area.

Particularly if you see or smell smoke on a hot or windy day, because fire can move very quickly.

 

What to do during a wildfire

If in doubt, get out!

Wildfires move quickly. If you can see smoke or flames from a wildfire and you feel unsafe, don’t wait for an official warning to leave. Evacuate immediately. Call 111 if your life or property is threatened, or you can’t evacuate on your own.

If you have time before you evacuate:

• turn on sprinklers,

• fill gutters with water, and

• wet down materials like firewood that may fuel the fire.

• If there is time, you can also:

• move vehicles to a safe location;

• move lightweight outdoor items inside;

• wet down the sides of buildings, decks and plants close to your home;

• move animals and livestock to a well-grazed or ploughed area;

• close windows, doors and vents, and shut blinds; and

• seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels.

• Stay informed. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.

Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect firefighting air operations.

 

What to do after a wildfire

Only return home if you are told it is safe to do so. Watch out for firefighters still working in the area.

Some roads may still be closed because of:

• ongoing firefighting operations,

• fallen trees and branches,

• downed powerlines, or

• damage to roading infrastructure.

Stay informed because the situation can change quickly and get worse again. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.

Watch out for burnt trees, hot embers on the ground and fallen powerlines.

Treat all damaged trees as dangerous. Don’t walk under them until an arborist has assessed them.

Treat any fallen powerlines as live until the power authority has confirmed otherwise.

 

Cleaning up after a wildfire

Get professional advice about ventilating and cleaning if your home or belongings smell of smoke. It’s not uncommon after a wildfire for the smell of smoke or a smoky haze to remain for several days.

When cleaning up, wear:

• enclosed footwear,

• eye protection,

• gloves,

• a face mask, and

• long trousers.

Contact your local council’s environmental health officer for advice before using:

• food collected from the property,

• onsite feed supplies for animals, or

• water from storage tanks for drinking.

Boiling water does not remove fire retardants or other chemicals from your water.

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Pandemic

A pandemic happens when a virus spreads quickly and affects a country or many countries around the world. When this happens, many of us can become very sick.

The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for planning for and responding to pandemics in New Zealand.

 

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Drought

If your area is experiencing a drought you can contact your local council for more information. A drought is caused by a lack of water in an area and can affect water usage and increase fire risk.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is responsible for classifying droughts.

 

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Animal and plant pests and diseases

 

The Ministry for Primary Industries leads New Zealand’s biosecurity system. This includes responses to the outbreak of animal and plant pests and diseases.

The Ministry for Primary Industries also leads New Zealand’s food safety system. It protects the health and wellbeing of consumers here and overseas.

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Criminal acts and terrorism

Always call 111 if there is a serious risk to life or property. New Zealand is a relatively safe place but we are not crime free. It is important you take precautions to look after yourself.

New Zealand Police assist in various emergency management and national security situations. They are responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention. They also help maintain public safety.

Call 105 to report things that have already happened and don't need urgent Police assistance.

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Hazardous substances

A hazardous substance means any product or chemical that has properties that are explosive, flammable, oxidising, corrosive, or toxic to the environment.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is the lead agency for hazardous substance emergencies.

A pandemic happens when a virus spreads quickly and affects a country or many countries around the world. When this happens, many of us can become very sick.

The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for planning for and responding to pandemics in New Zealand.

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Fire

If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire' immediately.

Fires can be sparked by human activity. For example camp fires escaping, fireworks, or rubbish fires, bonfires or rural burn-offs getting out of control. Car accidents, arcing or fallen power lines are also common causes of fires. As well as sparks from lawnmowers or cigarette butts.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responsible for fire prevention, response and suppression.

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