Stock up and stay warm, Civil Defence advises

Wellington region residents are advised by Civil Defence to make sure that they're prepared in the event that unseasonal snowfalls keep them trapped at home for a couple of days.

"Really cold weather and heavy snowfalls across the region over the past day are forecast to continue until later this week," Wellington region Civil Defence Manager Rian Van Schalkwyk said today.

"People should prepare for the worst, which means making sure they're ready in the event that they cannot leave home and may be without electricity and other amenities.

"Essentials for home preparedness include food and water stocks, essential medicines, candles and alternative means of heating food. People who rely on log burners or open fires for home heating should also check that they have enough stocks of fuel to keep them and their families warm.

"People should also check on their neighbours, particularly those who may be frail or elderly, to make sure that they are prepared and ready to cope with cold conditions that may confine them to their homes.

"Road users living in the region's higher hill suburbs, particularly those with steep streets should also take care. Snow and ice can make driving and cycling extremely dangerous, both for going up and coming down hilly roads Drivers should not attempt to use badly iced roads unless their vehicles are fitted with proper snow chains.

"Planning to take care of themselves, their families and others they know for is something that should be high on people's agendas over the next few days," Rian Van Schalkwyk said.

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