Northland is no stranger to storms, as pictured here in Ōakura in January this year. Photo / Nena Rogers
Northland is no stranger to storms, as pictured here in Ōakura in January this year. Photo / Nena Rogers
With Cyclone Vaianu’s rains and winds hours away, Northlanders are urged to finish any last tasks to stay safe. To support you, the Northern Advocate has prepared this guide on getting ready and what to do if things go wrong during the cyclone.
Before Cyclone Vaianu
At home
Clear drains and gutters.
Secure loose outdoor items.
Move valuables and vehicles from flood-prone areas.
Bring pets indoors.
Keep essential supplies ready in case of power cuts or road closures.
A Coastguard Bay of Islands rescue vessel pulls a beached pleasure boat off the sand at Paihia in 2022. Photo / Peter de Graaf
During Cyclone Vaianu
Stay informed – listen to the radio for up-to-date news and advice. If you don’t have a battery-powered radio, you could use your car radio.
Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts from MetService New Zealand: www.metservice.co.nz
Your local district council is the best source of information about roads, evacuation centres, community facilities during a power outage, or other welfare support:
Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water, feel unsafe, or notice worsening conditions.
Be aware of landslide risks and stay clear of areas affected by slips or landslides. If you notice ground cracks, tilting trees or power poles, unusual noises, or rapid stream level changes, leave immediately.
If you feel an immediate risk, call 111.
Healthcare
If you or your whānau are unwell and it is not an emergency, contact your GP, healthcare provider or local accident and medical centre.
For general health advice and information, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. In an emergency phone 111.
Wash and dry hands before preparing or eating food. If water is limited, keep some in a bowl with disinfectant.
Do not use canned food if there is a puncture.
Do not eat shellfish from rivers or harbours after a flood.
Do not refreeze defrosted food once power is restored.
Water
If you don’t have bottled water, boil it before drinking or using for food preparation.
Once boiled, store covered in a clean container. Reboil the water if not used within 24 hours.
If you cannot boil water, use purifying tablets or bleach to ensure safety. Add half a teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water, mix and leave for 30 minutes. Do not use bleaches that contain added scent, perfume, surfactants or other additives as they can make people sick.
Heating, lighting and cooking
Never use outdoor gas heaters inside.
Never use your barbecue for heating.
If you’re using a portable gas cooker, place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and make sure you are in a well-ventilated room.
Keep candles and cookers away from anything that could catch fire and put them out before leaving a room or going to bed.
Feeling like you need to talk?
Free call or text Lifeline any time for support from a trained counsellor on 0800 543 354 or text 4357.
