flooding - Hauraki District · Take pictures and make a list of any perishables you have to dispose...
Transcript of flooding - Hauraki District · Take pictures and make a list of any perishables you have to dispose...
The reality of having your home flooded is difficult to understand unless you have
been through the experience – you can face months away from home while it is being
repaired. A flood can also mean the prospect of losing some or all of your possessions
as well as an immense amount of disruption to normal family life.
Assess your level of risk ‐ low lying areas, close to rivers, on the coast. Regardless of
how a flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay
away from floodwater.
Before a flood Find out from your local council if your home
or business is at risk from flooding.
Plan what to do with your pets and livestock if
you have to evacuate.
Know where the closest high ground is and
how to get there.
Develop a Household Emergency Plan.
Assemble and maintain your Emergency
Survival Items for your home as well as a
portable getaway kit.
Check your insurance policy to ensure you
have sufficient cover.
During a flood or if a flood is imminent Listen to your radio ‐ emergency management
officials will be broadcasting the most
appropriate advice for your community and
situation.
If you have a disability or need support, make
contact with your support network.
Put your household emergency plan into
action and check your getaway kit. Be
prepared to evacuate quickly if it becomes
necessary.
Where possible, move pets inside or to a safe
place, and move stock to higher ground.
Consider using sandbags to keep water away
from your home.
Lift valuable household items and chemicals
as high above the floor as possible.
Fill bathtubs, sinks and storage containers
with clean water in case water becomes
contaminated.
Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities
as it can help prevent damage to your home
or community. Unplug small appliances to
avoid damage from power surges.
Do not attempt to drive or walk through
floodwaters unless it is absolutely essential.
Important items to take with you
if you need to leave Cash and personal identification.
Torch, radio, and water.
A change of clothes and a sleeping bag or blankets for each household member.
First aid kit, including prescription medications, dentures, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
Car keys and house keys.
Any pets that you can get without endangering yourself. You may not be able to come back for them later as it may be too dangerous to return.
Share information Check on your neighbours
Flooding
After a flood It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Continue to listen to your local
radio station for civil defence instructions.
Help others if you can, especially people who may require special assistance.
Throw away food including canned goods and water that has been contaminated by floodwater.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. If in doubt,
check with your local council or public health authority.
Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property,
contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
Flood recovery and insurance Follow the instructions of Civil Defence and emergency services
providers.
Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
Contact your insurer, or insurance adviser, as soon as possible.
Avoid entering flood water, either on foot or in a vehicle. Flood water can contain raw sewage and
contaminants, conduct electricity and mask hidden hazards, and poses a serious hazard to health. It may be
deeper, or moving faster, than you expect.
Try to make buildings safe and weatherproof but don’t make any emergency repairs unless it is safe to do so.
Don't start non‐essential repairs without your insurance company’s approval.
If water has entered your property, don't turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an
electrician.
Get essential services, such as water, electricity, gas and sewerage, repaired and keep copies of any invoices.
Do what’s necessary to make your home safe and sanitary. When cleaning, wear a mask, gloves and overalls
to minimise exposure to possibly‐hazardous materials.
Take pictures and make a list of any perishables you have to dispose of.
Remove and discard any water or mud‐damaged goods that pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and
soft furnishings.
Take photos of damaged property to help speed up the assessments and claims process.
Keep any damaged items that don’t pose a health and safety risk.
Do not drive your vehicle if it has suffered water damage.