How to Prepare Your Home for New Zealand’s Stormy Weather

Do you ever worry about the safety of your home during heavy rain and strong winds? Do you want to protect your family and avoid costly storm damage? New Zealand’s wild weather can bring sudden storms, flooding, and strong winds that put homes at risk. The good news is, with some thoughtful preparation, you can reduce the chance of damage and keep your home safe. 

In this guide, we’ll share simple steps to weatherproof your property, giving you peace of mind when the storm clouds roll in.

How to Protect Your Home from Storms in New Zealand

A few simple steps can make your home safer and reduce damage. Here are the key things you should do:

1. Make a Plan

Talk with your family before a storm happens. Decide where everyone should go inside the house if the weather turns dangerous. The safest place is a small room with no windows, like a hallway or bathroom. Keep this space ready and let everyone know it’s the “safe spot.” Having a plan also means knowing how to contact each other, keeping emergency numbers readily available, and ensuring that kids understand what to do.

2. Clear Gutters and Drains

Storms bring heavy rain, and if your gutters or drains are clogged with leaves, water will overflow. It can cause leaks, damage your roof, or even flood the inside of your home. Before winter or storm season, inspect your gutters and remove any debris that may have accumulated. Also, look at the drains in your garden or driveway. Make sure water can flow freely away from your home. Clean gutters and drains act like a shield against flooding inside.

3. Check Your Roof

Your roof is the first layer of protection against rain and wind. Even a minor issue can lead to leaks during a storm. Walk around your home and look up at the roof, check for anything that looks broken or out of place. If you notice any damage, have it repaired promptly by a professional. 

4. Secure Things Outside

Anything that isn’t tied down can become dangerous in a storm. Trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins, and even garden decorations can fly around in strong winds and break windows or walls. Before a storm, bring smaller items inside the garage or shed. For larger things you can’t move, tie them down securely. 

5. Cut Back Trees

Tree branches can snap and fall during storms, especially if they are old, weak, or hanging over your roof. These falling branches can cause severe damage to your roof, windows, or power lines. Trim back branches that appear hazardous, especially before the start of storm season. If the trees are very tall or tricky to cut, hire a professional arborist to do it safely.

6. Improve Drainage Around Your Home

If water collects near your house during heavy rain, it can seep into the walls and damage the foundation. To stop this, check how water flows around your property. Add extra soil or gravel to direct water away, or install drains if needed. Even small changes in your garden can help water move away from your home instead of pooling at its base.

7. Keep Valuables Safe

Some things in your home can’t be replaced, like family photos, important documents, or electronic devices. Keep these items on higher shelves, not on the ground floor, where they could be damaged by floodwater. You could also store them in waterproof boxes. Preparing ahead of time keeps your most valuable items safe, even if water gets inside your house.

8. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Storms can knock out power or block roads, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit ready. Include water, snacks, a torch, spare batteries, a first aid kit, and copies of essential documents. Having this kit means you won’t panic if the power goes out or you can’t leave the house for a while. Keep it in a location that is easily accessible and ensure everyone in the family knows where it is.

9. Stay Safe During the Storm

When the storm starts, stay indoors and keep safe. Shut all doors and windows tightly. Close curtains or blinds over glass. It helps protect you if a window breaks. Unplug electronics, such as TVs and computers, to prevent damage from a power surge. Bring pets inside, too, so they aren’t left out in dangerous conditions. Following these steps keeps your family calm and safe until the storm passes.

Handling these aspects on your own can be overwhelming. That’s where you can trust professionals to handle the task on your behalf. 

Stay Safe with Oncore NZ

From fixing roofs and clearing gutters to improving drainage and securing outdoor spaces, the Oncore NZ team can help you make your home stronger and safer.

Contact Oncore today and let us help you weatherproof your home before the next storm arrives.