Source: Radio New Zealand
Official safety information from the National Emergency Management Agency for flooding urges people to put safety first, don’t take any chances and act quickly if they see rising water.
Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
Stay out of flood water
Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters.
If flooding is possible
Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.
Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.
Flooding began on 18 January, 2026, in Northland, including in Ōakura, after the first band of intense rain. Screengrab from video – supplied
Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.
Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.
Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
What to do after a flood
Only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so. It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded.
Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.
Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.
If your property is damaged
- Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company
- Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims
Food safety after a flood
Throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any boil water notice instructions from your local authorities.
For more information on food safety during and after an emergency visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
Cleaning up after a flood
Clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your home after a flood.
Mould may make some people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems sick.
Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded. If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.
Protect yourself by wearing:
- a certified respirator
- goggles
- gloves
- protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and sturdy footwear
Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.
Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There is no way to safely clean them.
Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water.
Information from NEMA’s Get Ready website – [ https://getready.govt.nz/ getready.govt.nz ]
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
