Civil Defence advise to be prepared for Cyclone Cook

Civil Defence Group Controller for the Bay of Plenty Clinton Naude said people should be prepared. Photo/File

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is urging all coastal Bay of Plenty residents to be prepared for the impact of Cyclone Cook, and has provided a checklist of steps residents can take over the next few hours.

Make arrangements for where you and your family, including pets, will go to if you have to evacuate

Plan how to contact each other and ensure all phones are fully charged.

Have your Getaway Kit ready: make sure it includes warm clothing, water and food for three days, any medication, basic first aid supplies and important documents.

Prepare your vehicle by ensuring it has sufficient fuel.

Prepare for high winds: secure or move indoors any outdoor furniture and if you have stock, move them to higher ground

Monitor your property and if you are worried, act upon it and leave - don't wait for official warnings If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately and do not return home until you are advised by authorities

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management's website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence.

As the situation evolves, more information will be available. A list of relevant radio frequencies and websites are listed at the end of this release.

Bay of Plenty Radio Stations and their frequencies:
Rotorua:
National Radio 101.5 FM & 1188 AM
Newstalk ZB 747 AM
The Hits 97.5 FM & 90.9 FM
More FM 95.9 FM
Radio Live 95.1 FM​
Tauranga & Western Bay​
National Radio 101.0 FM & 819 AM
Newstalk ZB 90.2FM & 1008 AM
The Hits 90.5 FM
More FM 93.4 FM
Radio Live 1107 AM
Te Puke
1XX 89.0 FM & 1242 AM
Whakatāne
National Radio 101.7 FM
Classic Hits 90.5 FM
Radio Live 92.1 FM
1XX 90.5 FM
Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki & Kawerau
1XX 90.5 FM
Ōhope Beach
1XX 92.9 FM

EARLIER:

Heavy rain is expected to hit the Bay of Plenty from midday today and residents are being warned to take all necessary precautions.

The region is expecting 200 to 250mm of rain in the 48 hours from midday today to midday on Friday. The bulk of the rain is expected to arrive tomorrow and coastal communities are expected to be the worst-hit.

Severe gales are also predicted along the coast which will likely lead to storm surges and flooding of coastal margins.

Civil Defence Group Controller for the Bay of Plenty Clinton Naude said people should be prepared.

"The Bay of Plenty region is already dealing with the effects of Ex-Cyclone Debbie, which saw extensive rain fall in the region last week. With further rain set to arrive from today people should observe natural warning signs. If you're living near a river, low lying or coastal area and concerned or feeling unsafe don't wait for official alerts to act.

"Take this time to get your Grab and Go kits ready especially if you're living in low-lying coastal areas. Keep up to date with Civil Defence advice and make sure you have a plan on where to go should you have to evacuate," Mr Naude said.

People can sign up for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence text alerts by texting the two letters for your area to 2028:

TA - Tauranga
WB - Western Bay
KA - Kawerau
WH - Whakatane
RO - Rotorua
OP - Opotiki

People can also follow the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bopcivildefence or visit the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz for information about how to get ready before an event.