With the traumatic situation currently in the US with tornado devastation, Civil Defence is providing information on what to do if you ever witness one in New Zealand.

About 20-30 tornadoes are observed in New Zealand each year, most lasting less than 15 minutes. They are most frequent in the west and north of the country. Damage paths are 10 to 20 metres wide and usually less than 5 kilometres long.

The following public information about tornadoes and other storms is on the Ministry’s Get Ready Get Thru website.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes sometimes occur during thunderstorms in some parts of New Zealand. A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air extending downwards to the ground from the base of a thunderstorm. Warning signs include a long, continuous roar or rumble or a fast approaching cloud of debris which can sometimes be funnel shaped.

Alert others if you can…

Take shelter immediately. A basement offers the greatest safety. If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor. Get under sturdy furniture and cover yourself with a mattress or blanket.
If caught outside, get away from trees if you can. Lie down flat in a nearby gully, ditch or low spot and protect your head.
If in a car, get out immediately and look for a safe place to shelter. Do not try to outrun a tornado or get under the vehicle for shelter.

Before a storm

Develop a Household Emergency Plan. Assemble and maintain your Emergency Survival Items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit.
Prepare your property for high winds. Secure large heavy objects or remove any item which can become a deadly or damaging missile. Get your roof checked regularly to make sure it is secure. List items that may need to be secured or moved indoors when strong winds are forecast.
Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
If you are renovating or building, make sure all work complies with the New Zealand building code which has specific standards to minimise storm damage.
If farming, know which paddocks are safe to move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides and power lines.

When a warning is issued and during a storm

Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations as civil defence authorities will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.
Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.
Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass.
If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house.
Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
Don’t walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.

After a storm

Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
Check for injuries and help others if you can, especially people who require special assistance.
Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
Contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged.
If your property or contents are damaged take notes and photographs and contact your insurance company. Inform your landlord if there is damage to the rental property.
Ask your council for advice on how to clean up debris safely.
 

WeatherWatch and Civil Defence