Rain and Flooding - Be Prepared
News
With recent heavy rain, it is a good time to remember steps you can take to protect your family and property in the event of flooding.
Did you know that floods are New Zealand's number one hazard in terms of frequency, losses and declared civil defence emergencies? They can cause injury and loss of life, damage to property and infrastructure, loss of stock, and contamination of water and land.
Flooding is usually caused by continuous heavy rain or thunderstorms but can also result from tsunami and coastal storm inundation. A flood becomes dangerous if:
- the water is very deep or travelling very fast
- the floods have risen very quickly
- the 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.
