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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

• 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.