Get flood ready

Know your risk 

• Find out about the different types of flooding that could impact you.  
• Check our flood hazard map for Wellington Region to find out if you live, work or play in a place where river flooding could happen.
• No flood hazard map for your area? That doesn’t mean it’s not at risk of flooding.
  • Surface flooding could be a risk. Your local council may have more information available.
  • You could also be at risk if you live near the coast, any river or stream. If you live on a street with a name like Water Street or Swamp Road that suggests flooding might have happened there in the past.

Get ready, stay ready 

Floods can happen fast. Here are a few things you can do now to be ready: 

• Make an emergency plan for your household. 
• Have grab bag ready in case you need to leave quickly. 
• Check that your house and contents insurance covers you for flood events. 
• Store valuables up high, if possible, to help keep them out of flood water. 
• If you have livestock, make a plan for how you’ll keep them safe from flood waters.  

More information 

• Get ready before a flood - National Emergency Management Agency.
• Follow the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office on Facebook for information when emergencies happen in our region.
• Information to help rural communities prepare for floods - Ministry for Primary Industries.
• Find out more about the work of Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection team.

During heavy or prolonged rain, flooding is possible – be ready. Here’s how:

Stay up to date and get ready

• Listen to the radio for updates and Civil Defence instructions.
• Stay up to date with current river flows and rainfall in the Wellington Region
• Place your grab bag near the door and be ready to evacuate quickly, if necessary.
• Move valuable or dangerous items as high as possible to try and avoid flood waters.
• Move livestock to higher ground, in line with your emergency plan.

If you have to leave home

• Follow any Civil Defence instructions and use your emergency plan.
• Take your grab bag and pets with you, if it is safe to do so.
• Turn off water, electricity and gas, if advised to.
• Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. They’re unpredictable and can carry contaminants (like chemicals or sewage) that can make you sick.

More information

• Follow the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office on Facebook for information when emergencies happen in our region.
• What to do during a flood - National Emergency Management Agency.
• What to put in an emergency grab bag - National Emergency Management Agency.

Has your home has been impacted by flooding? Here are some top tips to help keep you safe:

• If you’ve had to leave your home, only return when it’s safe.
• Check with your insurer before cleaning up. They may need specific photos or information provided to them.
• Floodwaters are filthy. They can carry contaminants, like chemicals and sewage. It’s important to clean and dry your house and everything in it.
• Dry everything in your house thoroughly to avoid mould.
• Throw away any food or drink that may have been in contact with flood water, including canned goods – they could make you sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces with ordinary household cleaning products.

More information

• What to do after a flood - National Emergency Management Agency.
• Protecting your health after a flood - Ministry of Health.
• Food safety after a flood or other natural disaster - Ministry for Primary Industries.