Council staff on standby for storm

Published on 14 March 2014

14 March 2014

Operations and Reporting Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens says the Wanganui District Council’s emergency management and other staff are on standby as Cyclone Lusi approaches New Zealand.

“Although there aren’t any specific weather warnings for us at the moment, our emergency management team will be monitoring the situation,” Cr Stevens said.

To report weather-related issues during the weekend, contact Wanganui Civil Defence, phone 349 0515. If there are any updates on the situation, they will be available on the Council website or follow Wanganui District Council on Facebook or listen to local radio stations.

“The best thing for us all to do at this stage is to make sure we are prepared for high winds by securing anything on our properties that could become airborne.

“As well as making sure you are prepared yourself, touch base with your neighbours. There are many people in our community who are on their own or vulnerable and may need some assistance.

“Check your emergency supplies and have a torch and battery powered radio – and spare batteries - in case the power goes out temporarily.

“As well as strong winds which will make driving hazardous, there’s likely to be lots of rain which may cause surface flooding and slips on our roads. So the key message for the coming days is to be prepared and be careful out there.

“The MetService expects to issue severe weather watches and warnings in the coming days so keep up to date online or with TV or radio updates.”

More information on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at www.getthru.govt.nz.

During a Civil Defence emergency, listen to the radio for updates:
More FM 92.8FM
National Radio 567AM/101.6FM
Radio Live 96FM
NewstalkZB 1197AM
The Avenue 105.6FM
Classic Hits 89.6FM