Floods are a common hazard in New Zealand. A flood becomes dangerous in the following conditions:  

• Water is travelling very fast
• Water is very deep
• Floods have risen very quickly
• Floodwater contains debris, such as trees and sheets of corrugated iron  

Getting ready before a flood strikes will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.

• Develop a Household Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Survival Kit so you can cope with being on your own for three days or more
• Find out if your home or business is at risk from flooding. If there is a risk, your local council can give you information to help you reduce the effects. This information could cover:
  • Evacuation plans
  • How to protect items in your home or business by raising them above floor level
  • How you can reduce the risk of future flooding to your home or business
• Know where the closest high ground is and how to get there
• Keep your insurance up to date  

When a flood threatens

• Listen to your local radio station 1XX for information, and follow the advice and instructions from Civil Defence Emergency Management

Listen to 1XX Live Stream - (clicking this link will launch your media player)

• You will receive a warning from your local council or Civil Defence Emergency Management Group. Talk to them to find out how they will warn you.    

During a flood

• Move out of the flooded area or go to the nearest high ground
• Lift household items as high above the floor as possible
• Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters unless it is absolutely essential
• Do not go sightseeing to look at the damage the flood has caused

After a flood

• If you have been affected, have your house inspected and the damage assessed.

What to do if floodwater has infiltrated your home or property

Flood water may be contaminated with sewage or other hazards, so everyone in a flooded area should take precautions to avoid exposure, especially during cleanup. You can be exposed to sewage through hand-to-mouth contact such as eating or drinking, through cuts, scratches or wounds, or by wiping your face or eyes with contaminated hands or gloves.

If there has been a backflow of sewage into your home or on your property, it is best to have a professional handle the cleanup. Raw sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that can cause serious illness. For any cleanup of flood water that may contain sewage, take the following precautions to prevent illness. For most purposes, use a disinfectant solution of no more than 40 millilitres bleach to 1 litre of water.

• Keep children and pets out of the area until cleanup has been completed.
• Do not allow children to play in floodwaters or with items that may have been contaminated.
• Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and goggles during cleanup.
• If you have open cuts or sores that could be exposed to floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection.
• During cleanup properly vent the space when using cleaning products.
• Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach - toxic vapors will form.
• Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks and other plumbing fixtures) with a bleach solution of no more than 40 mL of bleach per litre of water.
• Once cleanup is complete, dry out the affected items to prevent mold from growing.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands). Or use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene.
• If your home septic system may have been impacted, have it inspected by a professional.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.