Preparing for Severe Weather: How to Stay Safe and Protect Your Property

Written By Sam Kerr

Severe weather events such as storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, and may disrupt power, water, transport, and communication services. Being prepared ahead of time can help reduce stress, protect what matters most, and keep you safe.

Below are practical steps you can take to prepare your household, protect your property, and understand what support is available if you need it.

Be Prepared: Have a Household Plan

Make sure you and your household have a plan in place in case essential services are interrupted. What to prepare:

  • Have at least three days’ worth of water, food, and essential supplies for everyone in your household.

  • Keep mobile phones charged and consider having a power bank available.

  • Know the local radio frequency that broadcasts Public Emergency Information and have a battery-powered or car radio ready.

For guidance on emergency supplies, visit: getready.govt.nz/supplies

Stay Informed

Severe weather conditions can change quickly. Stay informed by:

Protecting Your Property

If it’s safe to do so, preparing your property early can help prevent or limit damage from wind, rain, and flooding.

Your Home or Business

  • Indoors: Move valuables, important documents, small appliances, and furniture off the floor where possible.

  • Outside:

    • Secure or bring inside loose or large items such as outdoor furniture.

    • Turn trampolines upside down if you can.

    • Retract or stow away shade sails and umbrellas.

  • Check that gutters, spouting, and culverts are clear to help water drain properly.

Vehicles

  • Park on higher ground if possible and away from culverts and waterways.

  • Avoid parking near large trees, powerlines, or muddy ground.

  • Remove valuables or work equipment and store them somewhere safe.

Boats

  • Check that mooring lines and fittings are secure and in good condition.

  • Secure loose items and ensure hatches and seacocks are closed.

  • Make sure deck and cockpit drains are clear, and bilge pumps are operating correctly.

Staying Safe Around Floodwaters

Floodwater can be dangerous and unpredictable, even at low levels.

  • Do not drive through floodwater, flooded rivers, or streams.

  • If water enters your vehicle, do not start or drive it. Water-damaged vehicles can lose function suddenly, and airbags may deploy without warning.

  • Treat floodwater as blackwater, as it may be contaminated with sewage.

  • If contact with floodwater is unavoidable, wear heavy-duty gloves, boots, and a face mask.

Temporary Accommodation if You’re Told to Evacuate

If a government or local authority (such as Police, Fire and Emergency, or Civil Defence) directs you to evacuate your home, and your policy includes cover for temporary accommodation, you can arrange a place to stay.

  • Temporary accommodation is often covered by your home policy until the evacuation order is lifted, even if your home has not been damaged.

  • If your home becomes unliveable due to storm damage, please contact us as soon as you’re able.

Need Urgent Support?

If you need urgent assistance, are experiencing vulnerability, or your home is unliveable, please contact us on: 📞 0800 800 320

We’ll be working hard to support everyone affected.

Sam Kerr
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