The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) National Coordination Centre will now lead the response to the North Island Severe Weather.
The declaration enables the Government to support the affected regions, provide additional resources as they are needed, and help set the priorities across the country for the response.
The Bay of Plenty does not currently have any weather warnings or watches in place, but this may change.
Stay alert:
- Keep up to date with the latest MetService weather information.
- For advice, information and planning templates check The Get Ready website.
- Prepare for high winds: tie down your trampoline, and secure wheelie bins, BBQs and outdoor furniture. Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes.
- Now is a good time to check your gutters and clear drains.
- Sandbags can be purchased at any time, and information on where to buy sandbags can be found below. Council may not be able to provide sandbags to everyone during an emergency.
- It’s always a good idea to have a grab bag ready.
- Cyclones can cause power outages and disruption to our roading and water networks. Ensure you have enough supplies for three days just to be on the safe side.
- Have a plan to keep your pets safe, and store plenty of water and non-perishable animal food (canned or dried) in an airtight or waterproof container.
- Identify a safe place in your home to gather during a tropical cyclone. 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.
During a cyclone:
- In an emergency where life is in danger, call 111 immediately.
- Stay inside, and don’t drive unless absolutely necessary. During a cyclone we need to keep our roads clear for emergency services.
- Stay away from beaches and potential flood zones.
- Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.
- 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.
- Stay connected - listen to the radio or follow your Emergency Management Bay of Plenty instructions online. Follow the instructions of Civil Defence and emergency services.
- We’ll provide updates on our Facebook page and website.
- Follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and MetService New Zealand for the latest weather and emergency updates, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for road closures and slips.