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We experience a wide variety of weather events and natural hazards in New Zealand. While we can’t prevent these events from happening, being prepared can make a big difference.

Preparing for a weather event or natural hazard

Knowing what to do before, during and after an event can help protect you and your family and help you respond safely and confidently when it matters most.

You can find some helpful information about what to do before, during and after certain events below. If you’re looking for further information on how to prepare for weather events and natural hazards, or what to expect if you need to make a claim as a result of an event, check out the resources below.

When a weather event or natural hazard happens

Stay safe

Your safety is the most important thing. Stay calm, make sure you and your loved ones are safe, and follow official guidance. For detailed information on what to do before, during and after an emergency, visit getready.govt.nz.

Stay away

If you need to evacuate from your property, don’t return until the appropriate authorities confirm it’s safe to do so. If you need temporary accommodation or urgent repairs to your home, call us on 0800 500 216.

Stay informed

Tune in to your local radio station, news channels or the Civil Defence and NZTA website for event updates. Always follow safety advice and instructions from emergency services.

Inspect damage

Once it’s safe and you’re allowed to return to your property, check your home, contents or car for damage. Taking photos of the damage can help with insurance claims and can be a useful reference when confirming what needs replacing.

Get in touch

Once you’ve been able to assess the damage, get in touch with us if you need to make a claim. If you need emergency repairs or accommodation, please call us on 0800 500 216 as soon as possible. If you don’t need emergency repairs or accommodation, you can lodge your claim online.

Flood

Floods are one of New Zealand’s most frequent emergency events. They happen when storms and heavy rain cause rivers to breach their banks or drainage systems overflow into the streets. They can also happen if there’s heavy rain in a small area, or sometimes if there’s heavy rain after a period of drought.

Before a flood:

Make a plan with your household or family so that everyone knows what to do if there’s a flood.
Keep precious belongings (like photos, keep sakes and important documents) and dangerous items (such as chemicals or electrical equipment) in a safe, dry place. You can use watertight containers or store them as high off the ground as possible.
Move your car to higher ground or under cover. Avoid parking under trees, power lines or areas which are prone to flooding.
Prepare your emergency kit in advance, including things like three days’ worth of long-lasting food and bottled water, a flashlight and any prescription medication. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible.
Turn off your electricity if it’s safe to do so, to avoid short circuits.
If rural, check the fencing on your property is secure (if it’s safe to do so) and move livestock to sheltered areas.

During a flood:

If the floors are wet or water is coming in, move furniture to a dry room if it's safe.
Make sure you, your family and your pets are safe and in a dry area. Don’t enter flood water, as it can be contaminated with chemicals or other hazardous substances.
Don’t operate vehicles or use appliances that have been flooded until they’ve been professionally assessed. If your vehicle becomes submerged in flood water, don’t attempt to turn on the ignition or drive it.
Follow any instructions about evacuation in your area, and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe. Make sure you take your emergency kit and pets with you. If you’re insured with us and need emergency repairs or accommodation, please call us on 0800 500 216 as soon as possible.

After a flood:

Stay away from damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected and deemed safe by a professional.
Watch your step when walking around your home in case of any dangerous debris. Don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
Wear protective clothing like gloves, long trousers and a mask when going back into your home to help protect against potentially hazardous materials.
Discard any food that’s been submerged in a flood, including canned goods. Throw away wooden or plastic cooking utensils, baby bottle teats and dummies if they’ve come into contact with floodwater as these can’t be safely cleaned. If you’re insured with us, you may be able to claim up to $1,000 for spoiled food, depending on the contents cover you hold. You can review our policy documents for more information here.
Mould, chemicals and sewage from stormwater can be dangerous, especially for anyone with asthma, allergies or a compromised immune system. Keep anyone with these conditions away from the house, if possible.
If your power is working and it’s safe to do so, turn on any air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems or fans to start drying out your home and reduce mould forming.
Check with authorities that water has been declared safe. Until then, boil or purify water with tablets before you drink it.
Before throwing away any items, make sure to take clear photos, as these can be used when making a claim.

Storm or cyclone

Storms can cause strong winds, rain, thunder, lightning, hail, heavy snow or rough seas. Cyclones typically bring with them strong winds and heavy rain, sometimes lasting a week. They’re often identified in advance which can give valuable time to prepare.

Before a storm or cyclone:

Prepare your emergency kit in advance, including things like three days’ worth of long-lasting food and bottled water, a flashlight and any prescription medication. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible.
Ensure any maintenance work that’s due around the home is completed to help minimise any potential damage. This could include repairing or replacing any corroded metal, rotting timber and loose fittings. Be sure to secure any loose tiles or bricks, repair loose doors or windows, clear your gutters of leaves and other debris and trim any trees and branches close to your home.
Pull curtains, blinds or drapes over windows to prevent injury being caused by shattering or flying glass.
Anchor or put away movable objects such as outdoor furniture, barbecues, trampolines and bins.
Move your car to higher ground or under cover. Avoid parking under trees, power lines or areas which are prone to flooding.
Unplug appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges.
Keep precious belongings (like photos, keep sakes and important documents) and dangerous items (such as chemicals or electrical equipment) in a safe and dry place. You can use watertight containers or store them as high off the ground as possible.
If rural, check fencing on your property is secure (if it’s safe to do so) and move livestock to sheltered areas.

During a storm or cyclone:

Make sure everyone in your household is safe. Stay inside and take shelter. If you’re in your car, make sure you have the handbrake on and are parked away from trees, and keep your face away from the windows.
Unplug any sensitive electrical items to avoid short circuits.
Follow any instructions about evacuation in your area, and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe. Make sure you take your emergency kit and pets with you. If you’re insured with us and need emergency repairs or accommodation, please call us on 0800 500 216 as soon as possible.
Don’t enter flood water, as it can be contaminated with chemicals or other hazardous substances.
Don’t operate vehicles or use appliances that have been flooded until they’ve been professionally assessed. If your vehicle becomes submerged in flood water, don’t attempt to turn on the ignition or drive it.
If there’s water in your light fittings, turn your lights off and call an electrician when it’s safe to do so.
If the floors are wet or water is coming in, move furniture to a dry room if possible.

After a storm or cyclone:

Avoid walking or driving in flood waters, as these might be deeper than they appear or be contaminated with dangerous chemicals or other hazardous substances.
If your property has been damaged, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start your claim. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner they can help. Taking photos of any damage can also be useful when making a claim.
Check with authorities that water has been declared safe. Until then, boil or purify water with tablets before you drink it.
Stay clear of damaged power lines, trees and floodwater which can be contaminated.
Stay away from damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected and deemed safe by a professional.
Watch your step when walking around your home in case of any dangerous debris. Don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
Wear protective clothing like gloves, long trousers and a mask when going back into your home to help protect against potentially hazardous materials.
Check for any broken utility lines such as gas or electricity on your property. If these are damaged and it’s safe to do so, turn them off and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Earthquake

New Zealand experiences thousands of earthquakes every year. Most cause little damage or injury, but a large earthquake can happen any time and can be followed by ongoing shaking.

Before an earthquake:

Make a plan with your household or family so that everyone knows what to do if an earthquake happens.
Practice Drop, Cover and Hold twice a year to help familiarise yourself with the immediate action you’ll need to take in an earthquake. A good opportunity to practice is New Zealand ShakeOut in October, or when clocks change during daylight savings.
Identify safe places to Drop, Cover and Hold in each room of your home away from windows and tall furniture, such as under sturdy tables or desks.
Prepare your emergency kit in advance, including things like three days’ worth of long-lasting food and bottled water, a flashlight and any prescription medication. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible.
Secure heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from falling.
If you’re in an earthquake-prone area, consider adding earthquake-resistant features to your home, such as reinforced walls and foundations.

During an earthquake:

If you’re indoors, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Make sure you’re ready to resume this position for any subsequent shakes.
If you’re outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
If you’re driving, pull over to a clear location and stay inside the vehicle until shaking stops.
Remember, if you’re near the coast and the earthquake is long and strong, get gone. There’s a risk that a tsunami may follow an earthquake that lasts longer than a minute or feels strong. Find higher ground or go as far inland as possible as soon as you can.

After an earthquake:

Check yourself and anyone with you for injuries and seek medical help if necessary.
Put your safety first and don’t do anything that puts you at risk.
Check for any broken utility lines such as gas or electricity on your property. If these are damaged and it’s safe to do so, turn them off and report it to the appropriate authorities.
Stay away from damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected and deemed safe by a professional.
Watch your step when walking around your home in case of any dangerous debris. Don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
If your property has been damaged, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start your claim. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner they can help. Taking photos of any damage can also be useful when making a claim.
Any damage caused to your home by an earthquake may need to be assessed and could include multiple visits to your home.

Landslide

A landslide is the movement of rock, soil and vegetation down a slope. Due to our hilly land, loose volcanic soil, and frequent earthquake activity, they can be common.

Before a landslide:

Check if your property is in an area that could be prone to landslides. If you have retaining walls, it’s important these are well maintained to minimise the risk of something happening.
Make a plan with your household or family so that everyone knows what to do if there’s a landslide and know the warning signs. Some examples to look out for include tilting trees, retaining walls or fences, new cracks or bulges in the ground around your home or small slips and rockfalls.
Prepare your emergency kit in advance, including things like three days’ worth of long-lasting food and bottled water, a flashlight and any prescription medication. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible.

During a landslide:

Try and get out of the path of the landslide.
If you’re in your home and are in danger, grab your emergency kit and pets, and get to safety.

After a landslide:

Check yourself and anyone with you for injuries and seek medical help if necessary.
Put your safety first and don’t do anything that puts you at risk.
Stay away from damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected and deemed safe by a professional.
Watch your step when walking around your home in case of any dangerous debris. Don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
Check for any broken utility lines such as gas or electricity on your property. If these are damaged and it’s safe to do so, turn them off and report it to the appropriate authorities.
If your property has been damaged, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start your claim. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner they can help. Taking photos of any damage can also be useful when making a claim.

Tsunami

Characterised by a series of larger than normal waves, all our coastlines and large lakes are at risk of tsunami. Tsunamis can be caused by either a distant earthquake meaning we could have time to prepare, or it could be a result of an earthquake close to New Zealand, so we’ll need to act quickly.

Before a tsunami:

Learn the warning signs to help you anticipate a tsunami. Signs can be loud noises coming from the sea or unusual ocean behaviour, like a sudden rise or wall of water, or draining of water revealing the ocean floor.
Take time to understand how you and your property could be affected. If your home, work or school is in a tsunami evacuation zone, become familiar with community evacuation plans and make sure you know where to find higher ground or a safe spot inland and plan how you’ll reach it in the event of an emergency.
Prepare your emergency kit in advance, including things like three days’ worth of long-lasting food and bottled water, a flashlight and any prescription medication. Keep it in a place that’s easily accessible.

During a tsunami:

Move immediately to the nearest higher ground, or as far inland as you can. If evacuation maps are present, follow the routes shown.
If you can’t escape the tsunami, go to an upper storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or up a tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives.
Never go to the shore to watch for a tsunami.
Stay away from at-risk areas until the official all-clear is given.
Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
Take your emergency kit with you if possible. Don’t travel back to the areas at risk to get your kit or belongings.

After a tsunami:

Be aware of secondary effects. These include landslides, contaminated water, mudflows, damaged bridges, buildings and roads, and other hazards.
If your vehicle has been submerged, don’t attempt to turn on the ignition or drive it.
Stay away from damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected and deemed safe by a professional.
Watch your step when walking around your home in case of any dangerous debris. Don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
Wear protective clothing like gloves, long trousers and a mask when going back into your home to help protect against potentially hazardous materials.
Once it’s safe and you’re allowed to return to your property, assess the damage to your home, contents or car. Taking photos of the damage will be a useful reference when confirming what needs replacing or when making an insurance claim.

Volcanic activity

Volcanic activity can include volcanic unrest and eruptions, causing both close up and far reaching hazards. This can look like ashfall, falling rocks, hot gases and volcanic rock, lava flows, and massive mudflows.

Before:

Using tools such as the natural hazards portal, familiarise yourself with the volcanic risk in your community.
Go home before ash falls start if possible, to avoid driving or walking during ash fall.
Close all windows and doors and shut down heat pumps to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Set up a single-entry point for your house. Place damp towels at the threshold to prevent ash being tracked indoors.
Cover sensitive electronics. Don’t remove covers until the indoor environment is completely ash free.
Cover vehicles, machinery and spa pools to avoid ash causing damage. Ash can corrode metal surfaces and cause abrasion damage to windscreens and paintwork.
Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank.

During/If ash fall is expected:

Don’t drive when there’s ash on the road.
If it’s safe to do so, stay inside your property and close all windows and doors. Keep pets inside.
If you’re outdoors and need to seek shelter, wear a dust mask or use a handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth.
To prevent ash getting inside, set up a single entry/exit point for your house and place damp towels by the door to prevent ash being tracked indoors on your shoes. Don’t forget to close windows and other entry points such as cat doors and air vents.
Avoid using heat pumps and air conditioning units to prevent ash from being blown indoors.
Disconnect any rainwater collection systems or water tanks.

After

If you’ve had to leave home, once it’s safe and you’re allowed to return, assess the damage to your home, contents or car. Taking photos of the damage will be a useful reference when confirming what needs replacing or when making an insurance claim.
Don’t drive when there’s ash on the road.
Wear protective clothing like gloves, long trousers and a mask when going back into your home to help protect against potentially hazardous materials.
If you’ve had to leave your home, take care when returning to your property and don’t attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it’s safe to do so. Remember, some damage might require professional help.
If your property has been damaged, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start your claim. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner they can help. Taking photos of any damage can also be useful when making a claim.