Disastrous floods have struck most parts of New Zealand. Floods are the most common cause of a civil defence emergency. Assume that you will have to cope with a flood. Several so-called ‘100-year’ floods can happen in quick succession. To reduce the impact on you and your loved ones, there are measures you can take.

Before a Flood Strikes

• Find out about the worst flood in your locality and how high it rose. Calculate where such a flood would reach in your home. 
   
• Know how to reach the nearest high ground.
   
• Keep your valuables and some food and clothing above what you judge to be the high-water mark. 
   
• Store weedkillers, insecticides and other chemicals above your estimated high-water mark. 
   
• Consider building some form of storage above your ceiling. 
   
• Find out about present and future plans for building flood protection schemes in your locality. 
   
• Keep your insurance cover up-to-date.

When a flood threatens

• Listen to your radio for information. Follow Civil Defence advice and instructions.
   
• Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, medicines and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater. 
   
• Take your Getaway Kit with you if you have to leave your home. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains. 
   
• Take your pets with you. 
   
• Don’t go into floodwaters alone. 
   
• Don’t go sightseeing through flooded areas. 
   
• Don’t drink floodwater. It could be contaminated.

Contact Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000 if you need assistance.