Above: Tapu River photo: Rachel Henwood

Cyclone Cook Weather and Roading Update #4

6pm Wednesday 12 Apr 2017

Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor, Sandra Goudie has declared a civil defence emergency for the district.

Local Council roads status:

All open at present, contractors are on standby with resources available.

State Highway network:

SH25 - Thames Coast Road - The road is currently closed at Ruamahunga Bay due to some slurry like material coming down and pushing the barriers out making it very tight to operate the one-lane traffic control. The road will hope to reopen at approximately 18:30.

NZ Transport Agency Highways Manager Niclas Johannsson gave an update on current state highway closures and travel information to Radio Live Drive at 5.25pm tonight.

For all State Highway updates see www.nzta.govt.nz and follow them on Facebook.

We are seriously advising people to stay away until at least Saturday and if people do decide to make the journey they must be prepared to be turned back, isolated and have their journeys severely disrupted.

Be prepared

Civil Defence would like to remind everyone to be prepared to potentially be isolated, without power, and you may need to make alternative arrangements if you are planning on travelling.

Now is also a good time to check your emergency survival kits and getaway kits.

· Have plenty of food and water for at least three days.

· Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest and you should check all batteries every three months. Do not use candles as they can tip over in earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind. Do not use kerosene lamps, which require a great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.

· First aid kit and essential medicines.

· Blankets or sleeping bags.

· Pet supplies.

· If possible, make sure your mobile phones are charged.

Click here for a full checklist.

You should check and replace food and water every twelve months. It is recommended that you stock a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic for your household.

For further information on how to assemble and maintain emergency survival items see www.getthru.govt.nz.

We also remind you that you may need to take care of yourself at home for up to a week, so check out everything you need at www.happens.nz.

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