MEDIA RELEASE: Gita is coming – time to get prepared
Wellington Water is urging people to get prepared ahead of Cyclone Gita’s arrival in New Zealand. Potential pathways for the cyclone could see heavy rain and wind pummelling the Wellington region from Monday, and Wellington Water plans to activate its emergency operations centre from 6am Monday morning to monitor the situation.
“Right now we’re checking known trouble spots such as culvert and drain intakes that can get blocked, and organising standby crews in place for Monday,” said Gary O’Meara, general manager of Network and Customer Operations for Wellington Water.
“It’s also important for people to do what they can as well.
“Check and clear your gutters and drains, and have a look at the street drain nearest your house. Clear any litter or leaf debris. A blockage here can end up creating a major problem.
“Surface water will take the lowest pathway on its way to the sea. If you have a low point on your property, is it vulnerable to flooding or overloaded house guttering? Take some time on the weekend to prepare for a deluge; that could mean investing in a few sandbags or perhaps lifting boxes off the garage floor.”
Mr O’Meara also suggests people think about a contingency plan, including possible working from home in case of school closures.
“Back in November 2016, just after the Kaikoura earthquake, heavy rain closed both State highways, highway 58 and the rail network. At the same time, we had schools closing and parents trying to pick up children, along with service crews trying to help out. It was mayhem.
“It may not happen, and that would be great, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Keep an eye on forecasts on Sunday and through the week and plan ahead.”
“Mr O’Meara had one final message. “Please, stay out of flood water. There’s a risk of manhole lids coming loose and we’d hate for anyone to be injured.”
Updates on Gita’s progress are at www.metservice.com...
Image: Cyclone Gita outlook (Source: MetService)
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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66.9% Yes
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32.9% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
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