|
Disastrous floods have struck most parts of New
Zealand at some time or other.
The first European settlers at
Petone in 1840 were driven out by floods and crossed the harbour to found the
town of Wellington instead. One reason why floods are so destructive
is that the ’at risk’ areas – the low-lying plains with their fertile alluvial
soil – are the very areas preferred for settlement by farmers and town dwellers
alike.
The felling of forests and
clearing of bush have also increased the flood hazard; forest cover helps to
control heavy rains, releasing the water to the land gradually. Now,
even with well organised river control and soil conservation schemes limiting
the danger, flood devastation seems certain to happen again from time to time,
causing costly damage and heartbreak and, perhaps, loss of life.
While not so suddenly destructive as a large earthquake, a severe flood and the
awesome power of uncontrolled, fast- flowing water can cause havoc in a very
short time.
Some thoughts if you live in a
flood-prone area
In many
instances communities have become established at river mouths, putting
themselves at extra risk from the combination of high tides and a high river
level.
If you live in a district that could
be flooded:
You
shouldn’t wait for a flood to happen before finding out what to do.
Now, before the emergency, is the time to prepare – first, by knowing the basic
civil defence guidelines:
Know how to reach the nearest high ground.
Know the Civil Defence – warning signal for your area.
Know how to turn off electricity and gas supplies at the mains
Know where to get help - know your nearest Civil Defence post or Police Station.
Civil Defence in your locality is organised by your city, borough or county
council
When a flood threatens
Listen to your radio for information. Follow official civil defence
advice and instructions. When floodwaters get close to your home,
disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, medicines
and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater, if possible. If
you have to leave your home, take your ’getaway kit’ with you. Turn
electricity and gas off at the mains.
-
Don’t go into floodwaters
alone.
-
Don’t go sightseeing through
flooded areas.
-
Don’t drink floodwater, it
could be contaminated and bad for your health.
KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HAVE TO DO IT!
Practical things to do before a
flood strikes
Assume that you
will have to cope with a flood. So-called
'100-year" floods can happen in quick succession. Inform yourself
about present and future plans for building flood protection schemes in your
locality. Find out when the worst flood in your locality happened
and how high it rose. Calculate where such a flood would rise in to
your home. If possible, keep your valuables, clothing (or some of
it), and food (or some of it) above what you judge to be the high-water mark.
Store weedkillers, insect killers
and other chemicals used in your home in a high, safe place – above your
estimated high- water mark if possible. In a flood, they can cause
contamination, possibly poisonous fumes, that will endanger both your family and
civil defence helpers.
If you have unused space above
your ceiling, consider building some form of inexpensive storage there, for
survival needs, with easy access and use when a flood threatens.
Remember too that high cupboards have their advantages at such a time.
Keep a ’survival kit’ always ready, including
a portable battery radio and torch; spare batteries for both; candles and
matches; first aid kit and handbook; containers for storing drinking water; 2-3
days’ supply of tinned food and a tin opener; and some warm clothing and strong
footwear. Make arrangements for quickly assembling a ’getaway kit’
which could include important family documents; essential medicines; spare
clothing and footwear for each family member; baby’s needs; towels and toilet
items; and, if possible, blankets and food. Keep the insurance cover
on your home and its contents up-to-date.
|
