05/03/2025
With Cyclone Alfred fast approaching Australia, it is a good time to talk about storm and flood safety.
With these big storms, the risk of serious flooding becomes a serious concern for many communities. New Zealand has seen its share of major Tropical Cyclones over the last few years, with the most recent being Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 which caused major destruction and suffering.
Along with the obvious issues that come with floodwaters and storms such as deep, raging waters strong currents, there are many other hidden threats which are very real and pose significant dangers to our health and safety.
- Waterborne Diseases
Strong floodwaters are a powerful force of nature and they often carry with them any number of other dangerous contaminants, for example untreated sewerage and human waste, chemicals, oils that are picked up off the roads and also things like pesticides and dead animals. Exposure to these waters can lead to serious infections and illnesses, such as:
Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, lead to kidney failure or liver damage.
Giardiasis – A parasitic infection that results in stomach cramps, diarrhea, and dehydration.
E. coli – A common bacteria found in sewage-contaminated water, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
Even minimal contact with floodwaters can expose you to harmful pathogens, making it essential to avoid wading through or ingesting contaminated water. In particular children should avoid contamination from flood waters, given their reduce immune systems. Anyone experiencing any illness during flooding events should consult their family doctor as usual or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
- Dangerous Electrical Hazards
Flooding can cause substantial damage to electrical infrastructure and systems, bringing down power lines or submerging electrical substations and boxes. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, coming into contact with floodwaters near power lines, appliances, or electrical transformers can result in fatal electrocution. This is yet another reason to remain away from flood waters.
- Strong, Unseen Currents
Flood waters are strong, very strong in fact. The internet is full of videos of flooding around the world, and what becomes clear from these is that it does not take much water to become dangerous. As little as 30cms of water n cause people to be swept off their feet, double that and you will see cars being washed away and floating down the street. In areas where there has been minimal rain over a long period, and the grounds are dry, they can become like concrete and water will not drain away as quickly. Streets can quickly become raging rivers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZQ7f_O7zJA
- Structural Damage and Floating Debris
Floodwaters can be incredibly powerful. the fast flowing water and debris can cause significant damage to houses, buildings and also major infrastructure such as bridges or roading. You can not see what is below the waters surface, and the dangers that lurk below.
- Chemical and Toxic Contaminants
Along with all the other risks, floodwaters often carry with them a mixture of hazardous chemicals from industrial sites such as petrol stations, heavy machinery businesses, chemical and agricultural providers and more. These chemicals mix into the water and can often not be seen with the naked eye. This can make the water incredibly dangerous and toxic and exposure to this water can lead to issue such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, as well as more serious long-term effects. This is another reason why avoiding flood waters is so crucial.
- Drinking Water Contamination
Flood waters can easily find its way into our groundwater systems and wells, which can lead to contamination of our drinking water supplies. Water is one of the essentials to life and as we have already covered above, contaminated waters can lead to any number of diseases. Even if you tap water appears clear, it may not be safe to drink. It is vital that you monitor local council information for "boil water" notices after a flood. Also consider signing up to any local council alerting systems and emails as well as Lert Info who offer an amazing service, including a free option, providing you with up to date warnings and alerts for your specific area, from a multitude of different agencies and services. Ensure you have emergency water supplies on hand as well, such as bottled water, you should have at least three litres per person, per day for you basis hygiene and drinking needs. Don't forget it you have children, and pets you will need more, and if you are planning to cook foods you will needed to take that into consideration as well.
Now that we have covered all the important information and risks associated with storms, lets look at the what to do before, during and after.
- Before a Storm
When a Storm is Forecast it is important to err on the side of caution. Warnings are not made lightly, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Again, history has shown us multiple examples of people that did not heed the warnings they were given.
Make sure you bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind and if you can strap it down.
Make sure you remove remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Loose items can quickly turn into rogue missiles in strong winds and cause serious damage to both property and persons.
Don't forget your pets, Bring them indoors, if it is not safe for you outside, then it is not safe for them, the same goes with evacuations. You need to consider them in your disaster preparedness plan also.
While disasters often bring out the worst in a few people, it also brings out the best in many of them. Remember to check on those around you, neighbours, the elderly and those who can not help themselves.
- During a Storm
The best advise is to stay inside. Avoid walking around outside the property. As noted, loose objects can end up flying around and can cause significant injuries. Stay inside. Unless it is absolutely needed, avoid driving on the roads, and if you come across flood waters, then remember - if its flooded - forget it. Floodwaters can quick sweep cars away and many people have died trying to drive through what appears to be driveable flood waters.
Close all your doors and windows, and if you have them, close the curtains and the blinds. These can help prevent or reduce the chance of being injured if the windows break in the winds or if items fly into them.
Ensure you stay informed during a disaster. Make sure you have an AM/FM radio on hand, with spare batteries or a way to charge it when the power inevitably goes out. You can check your local council website or the getready.govt.nz to find out more information about what frequencies are in use in your area. Stay informed during an emergency. If you are on social media, follow your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online, and keep your phone charged. If the flooding is bad enough the cell towers may go out as well. Again consider services such as Lert Info, they provide a lot of valuable updates, and their social media pages also has many updates from people on the ground in the affected areas.
Use your water from your emergency supplies that you have on hand, remembering that floods can easily contaminate local drinking waters.
Unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
How to Stay Safe during flooding.
We have covered a lot with all this information. It is essential to do your best to avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible. If you must be near it, wear protective clothing, boots, and gloves.
Make sure you stay informed by monitoring local weather alerts and emergency notifications.
Never drive through flooded roads. Even shallow water can conceal hazards or strong currents that could sweep your vehicle away.
Disinfect areas that have come into contact with floodwaters to prevent contamination.
Boil or treat water before drinking if local water sources have been compromised.
- After A Flood
If you have been forced to evacuate during a flooding event, then only return home when it is safe to do so, and you have been advised by NZ Civil Defence and the Emergency Services have told you it is ok. It is entirely possible that even after the floodwaters have receded it is still unsafe to go back into the properties. Proper checks will need to be completed.
If you are not actively involved in the rescue or recovery efforts, then make sure you stay away from the damaged areas. It can be tempting to go a look, it is human nature after all to be inquisitive, however this can hamper rescue efforts as well as put you at great risk, which in turn can divert much needed resources from their core tasks.
Make sure you watch your step. Flooding can cause major damage to properties and the ground, they can become slippery and also contaminated with all sorts, such as broken glass, debris and nails etc. This poses a risk to your safety and can end in disaster.
If you are able, and willing, then help those around you who need help. Disasters often leave many vulnerable people in their wake, who are unable to help themselves, this is the time we need to step up and do what we can.
- If your property is damaged
Remember, property can be replace, you can not. Don't do anything that puts you or others at any further risk or causes further damage to the property, for the sake of material items.
Look after yourself first, and then make contact with your insurance company as soon as possible. Part of your emergency plan should include photos and records of all your important belongings and insurance documents. This will make the recovery process a lot easier for you. Again you can check out the getready.govt.nz website, follow this link https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/make-a-plan and get a plan made if you haven't got one already. If it is safe to do so, then take photos of any damage of any damages, this will make a huge difference to the speed of your claim.
- Food safety after a flood
Contamination post flooding will render your food stuffs unsafe for consumption. 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.
You can find more information on food safety during a disaster by following this link to the MPI website, https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/food-safety-in-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/
- Clean Up
Protect yourself by wearing:
Personal safety and hygiene is essential during the clean up phase of a disaster. Ensure you protect yourself, and your family be wearing the correct PPE. It is easily to overlook this, and the results can be devastating. You should consider at the very least, good protective gloves, quality masks or respirators, eye protection and protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Lastly good quality, protective footwear is essential.
Throw away anything that was contaminated by floodwaters than can not be effectively 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
- Conclusion
As we have discussed, floodwaters are not only a major inconvenience but they can also be deadly. There are a multitude of risks that come with floodwaters beyond those we can see with our eyes.
It is key to stay informed during these sorts of events, take heed of all the warnings, and make sure you take action on them. These events can cause a lot of stress, just thinking about them, and it can be a big inconvenience to you daily lives , but at the end of the day it is all about your safety, so you can help protect yourself and the ones you love. It is far better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, then hope for the best and not prepare. The difference is huge,
Stay safe out there folks and keep prepared.
Natural disasters and adverse events (like floods, storms, power cuts, and earthquakes) can affect your access to clean water and electricity. Find out how to protect yourself from foodborne illness during and after these events.
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