Don’t Wait: 5 Essential Steps to Prepare for Cyclone Vaianu

1. Secure the Perimeter: Tie down or bring inside outdoor furniture, trampolines, and bins. In Category 3 winds, these become dangerous projectiles.
2. The 9-Litre Rule: Civil Defence recommends at least 3 litres of water per person per day. Store at least 9 litres per person to cover the first 72 hours.
3. Check Your Gutters: Ensure drains and gutters are clear of debris to prevent surface flooding around your home.
4. Prepare for Outages: Charge all power banks, laptops, and phones tonight. Ensure you have a battery-operated radio to listen for emergency updates if the network goes down.
5. The “Go-Bag”: Pack a small bag with essential medicines, cash, important documents, and a change of clothes in case of a local evacuation.

Acting Minister for Emergency Management Chris Penk advises that Kiwis should not take this storm lightly. Stay safe and stay informed.