With Tropical Cyclone Vaianu barrelling towards New Zealand, authorities are urging Kiwis to prepare their homes before the storm arrives.
So what should you do before, during and after a big storm hits?
Before the storm arrives, you should make a plan and check that you have all the supplies and materials you need.
"Have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape," NEMA said via its preparedness website Get Ready.
Auckland Council recommended packing a grab bag with essentials such as medication, warm clothes, chargers, snacks, and water.
"It’s also important for people to consider where they might go if they need to leave home in a hurry. Have the talk and make a plan with whānau and friends about what you would do and where you would go if unsafe to stay," the council said.
Also, make sure your devices and power banks are fully charged.
You should find a safe place in your home to go during the storm if it gets bad.
"This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. These could break in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury," NEMA said.
How to prepare your property
Check your drains and gutters to ensure they aren't blocked. Clear any branches, leaves, or debris, as they can cause flooding during heavy rain. Trim any trees and branches that are close to your home.
AA Insurance recommended repairing or replacing corroded metal, rotting timber and loose fittings. You should also secure loose tiles and bricks and repair loose doors or windows.
If you're on a farm, check your fences and figure out which paddocks are safest for livestock, moving them away from floodwaters, landslides, powerlines and isolated trees in the case of lightning.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said despite being downgraded overnight, TC Vaianu was "still a very large, damaging system". (Source: Breakfast)
You should bring inside or tie down any outdoor furniture or fixtures that could be broken or picked up by strong winds.
"Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. Anything not secured may become a projectile," NEMA said.
"If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.
"Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood can become missiles in strong winds."
Park your car in a higher area, or park it in a garage if you have one.
"Don’t leave it under trees, power lines or in areas which are prone to flooding," AA Insurance said.
If you have pets, bring them inside, as they can get unsettled by storms and are much safer with you.
You should also check on your neighbours and anyone else who may need help.
What to do when the storm hits
When the storm arrives, the most important thing to do is stay inside.
"Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary," NEMA said.
All doors and windows should be closed, along with curtains and blinds.
"This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks."
If your floors start getting wet, AA Insurance recommended moving furniture to an upstairs area, if possible.
You should also stay away from bathtubs, water taps, and sinks during lightning, as they can conduct electricity.
Any small appliances that could be affected by power surges should be unplugged. If you lose power, unplug major appliances to reduce the surge and possible damage when power is restored.
You can stay informed through media coverage or through information shared by your local Civil Defence on social media.
When it's all over
NEMA's Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price outlined some of the 'critical' impacts, and urged people not to be complacent. (Source: Breakfast)
When the storm is over, the first thing you should do is check for injuries and get first aid if necessary. If there is an emergency, call 111.
"Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help," NEMA said.
If your home or building is severely damaged, contact your local council and ask for advice on how to safely clean up debris.
"Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property."
Check with authorities that water has been declared safe to drink – until then, boil or purify with tablets before drinking.
You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you rent, contact your landlord and contents insurance company.
"Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims," NEMA said.
When cleaning up, you should be careful around any trees damaged by wind, which should only be felled by trained professionals.
If you plan to dig, make sure to check for any buried utilities.
If you have to evacuate, make sure to wear protective clothing when returning to your home. This includes gloves, a mask and long trousers.
"Tread carefully as the floor could be slippery and covered with debris," AA Insurance said.
Check for any gas leaks. If you hear hissing or whistling, or smell rotten eggs, turn off the gas supply if it can be done safely.
"Don’t operate any electrical switches and keep flames and cigarettes away from the area until it’s safe," AA Insurance said.
You should only drive when absolutely necessary. If your vehicle has been submerged by floodwaters, don't try to start it until it's been seen by a professional.
"Stay alert for extended rainfall, flooding, landslides and debris hazards, especially when driving," NEMA said.
Any powerlines, even those that have come down, should be treated as live. If you find any power lines that are down, or at risk of coming down, contact your network provider.
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