MEDIA RELEASE

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group

13 March 2014

Residents urged to prepare for the storm

Nelson Tasman Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for possible severe weather this weekend.

Based on current information from the Met Service, the top of the South Island may experience heavy rain and strong winds.

There are currently no weather warnings in place for the region but this could change once the path of Cyclone Lusi becomes clearer. Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor the situation.

As a precaution, staff at the regional Emergency Operations Centre are being placed on standby for the weekend. Liaison with emergency services and Civil Defence volunteers is underway.

Residents are advised to continue to listen to local radio stations for local weather forecasts and updates and to also take note of any warnings that are issued.

In the meantime, residents should be vigilant when travelling and take basic precautions at home. This should include having an emergency kit, ensuring drains and gutters run freely plus securing outdoor furniture and fittings. People should also have back up plans in case there are power outages.

If heavy rain does fall and flooding follows, Council staff and contractors will be activated to deal with any issues that arise. In any emergency, the first priority is to protect human life, then essential infrastructure and then private properties.

As a general rule residents are asked to be self sufficient by looking after themselves and their properties, including sandbagging if needed. If flooding occurs Council staff may not be able to respond to requests at individual private properties. If you know your property is prone to flooding, please consider keeping your own stock of sandbags on hand. Supplies to make sandbags are readily available at DIY and landscaping suppliers.

ENDS

www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz

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