Be Prepared: Winter Storms hit New Zealand
Be Prepared: Winter Storms hit New Zealand
13
July 2017
Severe Weather Warning
Issued
The MetService has issued severe weather warning
for today as severe winds and rain bear down across the
country. To stay up to date with weather information see
here: www.metservice.com
Power outages
and what to do
Power outages have
affected some parts of the country due to the storm from
slips, winds lashing or trees falling onto lines.
Teams
from lines companies will be gearing up to deal with any
power outages caused by the storm as quickly as they can and
when it is safe to do.
If you experience a power outage
in your area, then contact your electricity retailer or your
local lines company. Visit the Electricity Networks Association to find
the lines company for your area.
Medically
dependent on mains power electricity?
It is critical that
anyone dependent on electricity to run critical medical
support equipment has a back-up plan (such as batteries and
nearby support) that can be put into action immediately for
such occurrences as these outages caused by wild winter
storms.
Whilst electricity retailers will be taking
action to contact their medically dependent customers, it is
important not to assume an electricity company will be able
to make contact in a power cut, as communications may be
equally effected. Just as in other civil defence
situations, people should have measures in place to ensure
their own safety and well-being.
If a person ever feels
their health is at risk due to a power outage, they should
call their doctor, or emergency services or get to a
hospital.
It is a good idea for neighbours or friends to
contact people they know are medically dependent on mains
power to check that they are okay, and that they have their
back-up plan in place.
If you are medically dependent on electricity, or you are caring for someone that is, and you don’t know what the emergency response plan is, then you should contact your doctor or other health care provider immediately.
Steps you can take to be
prepared and stay safe
Bad weather like this means that
power cuts can happen. It is important to have a plan in
place:
• keep a torch and spare batteries
handy
• ensure that you have at least one
telephone that does not rely on electricity for
operation
• ensure that an alternate fuel is
always available for cooking
• normal household
appliances such as fridges and ovens may not work, and food
could spoil faster. Eat perishable foods, for example bread
and meat first, as they spoil faster than non-perishable
food. Eat canned foods last. For more information on food
safety and hygiene see here
• stay clear of fallen
power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them
as live at all times
• watch out
for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power
lines.
• avoid possible damage to electrical
appliances (in the unlikely event there is a power surge
when the power is restored) by switching off appliances at
the wall.
• if you have an electric garage door,
prepare how you can gain entry to the garage another way so
you have access to your vehicle
• tie down objects
on your property that may be impacted by the predicted gale
force winds (i.e. trampolines)
• take care if you
are driving in the predicted weather and delay trips if
possible. Do not drive through floodwaters
• if
you are on tank water, ensure you have plenty of bottled
water available
• if life or property is at risk,
call 111.
The New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management’s website has useful information on how to prepare emergency plans and kits www.getthru.govt.nz and on Twitter @NZGetThru for up to the minute information.
ends