After a flood or storm
* Continue to listen to your local radio station for civil defence instructions.
* Help others if you can, especially people who may require special assistance.
* Throw away food and water that has been contaminated by floodwater.
* Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
* If a boil water notice is in place, follow steps to sterilize dairy cleaning equipment
* Ensure stock and domestic animals have food, water, and shelter where necessary, and are secure. Ensure that all stock injuries are promptly attended too, after human needs are meet.
* Look for and report broken utility lines. Treat all lines as live.
* If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. Lodge insurance claims as soon as possible.
* Assess damage to water supply and reticulation systems. Which troughs are contaminated with silt and will need cleaning?
* Assess damage to access lanes, tracks, gateways, culverts and fences. What clearing away of flood debris is needed?
* Assess damage to pastures, the depth and type of silt.
* Assess available non-flooded pastures and other undamaged feed reserves.
* Use the resources available. Contact local council civil defence flood relief co-ordinator, industry groups, Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts, Rural Women NZ, or other resource providers.
* Please accept help when offered, and ask for it if you need it.
Dairy NZ advice for farmers without power:
- Cows can go several days without being milked provided they are well fed and watered
- When power returns, ensure cows are milked out completely
- For further advice; www.dairynz.co.nz/farm/adverse-events/
Useful sites and numbers:
* Civil Defence website https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
* Your local Rural Support Trust to update your information or ask for help for you, a partner, family member, worker or neighbour: 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254) www.rural-support.org.nz
*Animal welfare https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/animal-welfare/animals-in-emergencies/
*Federated Farmers Feedline https://www.fedfarm.org.nz/FFPublic/Adverse_Events_Farmer_Support_and_Feedline.aspx
* Your local council website and facebook page