Cyclone Gabrielle is forecast to arrive in Auckland on Sunday night and may impact the region until Wednesday. Please keep an eye on updates - Auckland Emergency Management and MetService are the best sources of official information.
It is always good to be prepared and have plans in place so here’s some handy tips that may help you get ready.
Connectivity:
- Charge up all devices, including phones and power banks.
- If you use radios, check them and their batteries.
- If your phone is on prepay, check the credit balance.
- Set up a shortcut to the news apps in case the radio stops working.
Food:
- Freeze water bottles for food and drinking.
- Keep canned food and manual can openers somewhere safe (up high) and accessible.
- Bottle water or fill up appropriate containers with water.
- Don't forget your pets’ food.
Lighting:
- Have candles, torches, matches and lighters ready.
- Wax crayons can be used as candles (will only last 10 to 20 minutes).
Relocation:
- Have emergency shoes and clothing by your bedside.
- Put your glasses and hearing aids within reach.
- Put your bag and keys by the door.
- Park car on higher ground. Make sure it’s fully charged or fuelled!
- Have a first aid kit.
- Medication: have enough for 3 days minimum. If you’re close to finishing your prescription, renew it sooner rather than later.
- Withdraw some money.
- Vulnerable family members on crutches, wheelchairs etc… think about accessibility and get their mobility aids ready.
- Plan if you don't have a private vehicle.
- Nappy bag (nappies/formula/meds etc).
- Review evacuation and/or emergency plan with household.
- Take recent pics of your pets, make sure all pets have collars with contact details, or even better, microchip them, in case they do a runner.
- Place leashes, pet carriers, cages where you can find.
House:
- Sandbags or pillows to block openings under doors etc.
- Make sure you have buckets, mops, rags, wet vac etc.
- Clear gutters and drains.
- Weigh down trampolines so they don’t fly away.
- Bring loose stuff in from outside.
- Cut branches hanging over driveways or by windows.
- Check streets, grates and stormwater drains are clear from rubbish and dirt.
- Unplug and switch off unnecessary appliances.
- Store basic tools for emergency repairs in an accessible place.
Community and support:
- Check in on any elderly neighbour either side of your house.
- Know the emergency numbers.
- Find out where to go if you have to evacuate.
- If you have neuro-divergent family members, talk to them about it now.
- Start a WhatsApp or messenger group just for your neighbours and your street.
- Look out for each other and be kind
https://getready.govt.nz/ Auckland Emergency Management