Sandbags for our vulnerable communities

We have distributed approximately 10,000 sandbags to our coastal communities around the district ahead of potential coastal flooding ahead of king tides which are forecast between 1-5 February.

We received a number of enquiries from residents on the Thames Coast regarding the availability of sandbags after the 5 January storm tide.

At this stage the wind direction for early February is forecast to be north to north-east, which means that some of the vulnerable properties on the Eastern Seaboard may also like to collect bags just in case.

"We have identified vulnerable areas to be properties close to the coastline and particularly those who were recently affected by the January king tide weather event," says our Civil Defence Controller, Garry Towler.

"We have a limited number of sandbags and are asking only the most at-risk property owners and residents to collect them and please take only the number you require to ensure that they are available to all those in need," says Mr Towler.

The sandbags will need to be filled with either sand or dirt and the key recommendation to ensure effectiveness of sandbags is to lay plastic/polythene against the building to be protected before packing the sandbags.

Information will be available at the locations below on how to fill and place the sandbags, or you can download a copy here.

Sandbags will be available to collect by this weekend from the following locations:

West Coast

• Tapu Store

• Te Pure Hall

• Tararu Store

• Coromandel Council Office

East Coast

• Kuaotunu Fire Station

• Cooks Beach Fire Station

• Hahei Fire Station

• Whitianga Council Office

• Whangapoua Fire Station

• Matarangi Fire Station

"We just want to make sure that if, by chance, a weather event does occur, you, your family and mates are sorted and can get by, and get through, until we can get to you. While you're getting ready for the long weekends just take a few minutes, and give some thought, about packing a few extras to leave in the boot if you are visiting or stash in the closet if you're at the beach house or bach," says Mr Towler.

"Things like warm clothing, a torch, radio, batteries, some water and dried or packaged food, a first aid kit and essential medicines. What about the rest of your family or mates, make sure they can look after themselves as well, for at least 3 days if necessary."

"Early next week we will be working alongside Civil Defence to provide updates and keep people informed during the lead up to Waitangi weekend. Download the Red Cross alert app before you arrive, it is one of a number of ways we can warn and keep in touch with you," he says.

NZ Civil Defence has prepared the Get Ready, Get Thru website with lots of information about planning for emergencies. If you get ready, then you can get through.

It's also important to stay informed before, during and after emergencies. The more avenues of communication available to you, the better.

Here are some we recommend:

Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts as this weather system develops.

Red Cross Hazards App - alerts about hazards. Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Local radio - Check stations and frequencies here.

Emergency Mobile Alert - these can be sent to your mobile phone, without needing to download an app or sign up. Check if your phone is capable of receiving them here

Know your neighbours - phone each other, especially vulnerable people, to check if they're OK.

Waikato Regional Council has set up an online hub for rainfall and flood related information to help people more easily keep up to date with severe weather events in the region. It can be found at waikatoregion.govt.nz/flood-room

We will post regular updates on our Council's Facebook page as well as on our website and email newsletters.

We'll also include updates on known local Council road closures. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200. If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road, Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can also provide traffic and travel information.

Check NZTA's website before you travel for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.

To report a power outage, contact Powerco or your provider.

For more on these channels, and other information about staying informed in emergencies, go to the Civil Defence "Never Happens" website.

Please remember we still have a Total Fire Ban in place until at least 8 February, which includes bonfires and fireworks. See www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for more information.

We're also still facing water restrictions. See what restrictions apply here: www.tcdc.govt.nz/water.

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