Cyclone page demo
13 February 2023
This page will be updated with information about your safety in Cyclone Gabrielle as the situation develops.
For this event, regular updates will also be shared on our national Facebook page - Fire and Emergency New Zealand. More information is also available on the New Zealand Civil Defence website and the NZ Civil Defence Facebook page.
Monday 13 February - 12PM
We are responding to an increasing number of calls for assistance with storm damage, but the worst of the weather is yet to arrive.
If it is safe to do so, prepare now by tying down or putting away items like trampolines and outdoor furniture that can become airborne in high winds.
Do not drive through floodwater. It’s difficult to judge the depth during the daytime and impossible at night.
Please continue to call 111 if life or personal safety is at risk. We are here to help.
Local information/updates:
| Region | Website | Facebook page |
| Northland | Northland Civil Defence website | Civil Defence Northland Facebook page |
| Auckland | Auckland Emergency Management website | Auckland Emergency Management Facebook page |
| Waikato (inc. Coromandel) |
Waikato Civil Defence website | Civil Defence Waikato Facebook page |
Monday 13 February - 9.30AM
Our people have responded to over 200 weather-related incidents since 5pm last night. Most of these have been in Northland and Auckland, with a small number in Waikato.
This is only the beginning of what we know will be a very long storm, so don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. When the wind gets stronger and when the heavy rain starts, we are expecting the number of 111 calls to go up steeply.
Our Communication Centres are ready to answer the calls for help and our crews are ready to respond. Please call 111 if life or personal safety is under threat.
Sunday 12 February
Our people are responding to a slow but steady stream of 111 calls for assistance as winds are strengthening from Northland to the Coromandel and beyond. We have three communications centres across the country, connected by a virtual network which means calls can be answered from anywhere when the workload increases in any particular region.
Crews have responded to 31 calls for help related to the weather between 6am and 4pm today. Most were from Northland but in the last hour the number of calls from Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula have started to increase.
Most of the incidents are related to the winds, with fallen trees affecting property and roofs lifting. One of this morning’s calls was to help an owner secure his caravan from being blown over. There have been at least two calls in Auckland to help property owners when trees have fallen onto houses.
Please call 111 if life or personal safety is under threat. That includes when there is a fire, when people are trapped by floodwater, slips or fallen trees and when people need help to evacuate safely.
Saturday 11 February
We are bringing more specialist and technical resources into the communities most likely to be needing an extra hand during the cyclone. They will be supporting our local fire crews to do what they do best – help you when you need us.
Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) squads are equipped for light rescue and rapid damage assessments. We are also deploying teams skilled in water rescues, others who work with drones plus paramedics and engineers.
Teams will be based in Kaitaia and Whangarei, Auckland, the Coromandel and Gisborne. Remember – always call 111 straight away if life or safety is at risk.
Fire safety messaging for people affected by power outages.
During a power outage it is important to be aware of the additional fire risks in your home.
Candles and oil lamps
We recommend using torches and battery powered devices wherever possible to reduce risk and avoid the use of candles and oil lamps. If you don’t have access to torches, or they run out of battery, be mindful of the risks candles pose to your home.
- Always place them on a heat-resistant surface and firmly in a holder.
- Keep them away from anything that could catch fire like curtains, furniture or clothing.
- Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
- Put them out before you leave a room and before you go to bed.
Gas Stove tops
- Don’t leave the room when cooking. If you have to, always turn off the stove first. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires in New Zealand.
- Keep curtains, tea towels, oven mitts and any flammable items well away from the cooking area when you're cooking.
Gas cookers
- Don’t leave the room when cooking. If you have to, always turn off the gas cooker first. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires in New Zealand.
- Place it on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface and make sure you are in an open, well-ventilated room.
- Keep curtains, tea towels, oven mitts and other flammable items well away from the cooking area.
Electrical devices
- To prepare for your power coming back on, make sure all light switches, power outlets and cooking appliance are switched off.
- Always check this for damage before using if it is damaged dispose of it safely.
- Charge electronic devices make sure it is charging on a hard, flat surface.
Smoke alarms and escape plans
With flooding across the top of the North Island some households may have relatives or friends staying with them.
- Check all your smoke alarms are working. It is important to have one in every bedroom/sleeping area and living room.
- Talk through your escape plan with your household and anyone that may be staying with you. Remember to have two exits and a safe meeting place in case of an emergency.
Also check in on your neighbours if it’s safe to do so.