Civil Defence Emergency declared for Thames-Coromandel

Easter Weather Update #3

16:30pm Wednesday 12 Apr 2017

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

"There are three main reasons for declaration, the severity of the storm that is approaching, and it is potentially a category 4-5 storm with a high likelihood that Cyclone Cook will hit landfall on the Coromandel Peninsula sometime tomorrow."

"In addition as a result of the storm we have concerns for all residents and visitors on the Coromandel who are residing in low coastal areas and may need to implement evacuation, and thirdly it is holiday time and traditionally hundreds flock to the Coromandel and we must seriously advise 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."

"We are just seeing the fringes of the weather event, and we still have two more days to go," says Mayor Sandra.

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.

© Scoop Media