It's important to find out from your local council if your home or business is at risk from flooding and what the response arrangement are. You will find information about this on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook Group, which covers the Tararua District. Otherwise, you can also get in touch with the Tararua District Emergency Management Officer by calling council.

Don’t forget to ask about:

• What to do with your pets and livestock if you have to evacuate
• How you can reduce the risk of future flooding to your home or business
• Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.

The most important thing that you can do is Get Ready. It's a good idea to have essential items on hand at home, in your car and at your workplace and talk to your family to create your own emergency plan.

The Get Ready website is a user friendly and great resource to refer to for emergency preparedness.

Get ready before a flood

We can't prevent disasters but we can take some simple steps to ensure we'll be able to cope;

• Create and practice a household emergency plan
• Assemble and maintain emergency survival items
• Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry
• Take measures to reduce potential flood damage and make sure your insurance policy covers you for flood damage.

If flooding is possible:

• Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online
• Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe
• Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them
• Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to
• Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.