Response to extreme weather events

All floodwater and debris deposited by floodwater (such as silt) will be contaminated with bacteria and viruses of soil, animal and/or human origin.

The level of risk will be generally low unless there has been wastewater contamination, however we recommend you assume the floodwater has been contaminated and treat it as such.

We recommend that you:

• Restrict access to any flooded and/or ponded areas until they have dried out thoroughly
• Remove all debris and rubbish where practicable for off-site disposal
• Wear gloves and boots or gumboots when removing debris, washing or disinfecting  
• Exposure to wind and sun is normally sufficient to disinfect flooded fields, gardens and porous playing areas, however if wastewater contamination is evident from the debris or smell, apply hydrated lime to affected unsealed playing areas and leave for 24hrs before washing in
• Wash internal or external hard surfaces floors / walls with detergent or clean water and allow to dry 
• Follow hygiene best practice around hand washing and contact with food.
• Disinfect internal and external play areas where possible before re-use, focusing on surfaces students may touch. Disinfectants to be used include:
  • Chlorine bleach – plain and unscented. 1 litre of household bleach to 4 litres warm water. Do not use on vinyl or aluminium.
  • Quaternary Ammonium Based Disinfectants – NEVER mix with bleach
  • Borax (5% to 10%) mixed with dishwashing detergents. Use for wooden surfaces that would be damaged by chlorine.

You’re welcome to contact the Ministry’s water services team directly with questions: water.services@education.govt.nz

• Open doors and window to help dry out the building as much as possible. Use fans and air conditioners on dry mode if safe to do so.  
• Clear plant and soil debris away from the buildings to help with ventilation. 

• Avoid places where gas or electricity may be a risk and be mindful that, at any time, electrical services may be restored.    
• Electrical fittings and appliances that have been exposed to water should be treated as unsafe. Don’t touch equipment until advised by an electrician that it’s safe to do so.   
• If you smell gas vacate the building immediately and call the local gas company, supplier or 111 so the leak can be detected and fixed 
• If you need to use electrical equipment in a wet area, use a residual current device.

An asbestos refurbishment survey is needed before removing wall linings for all pre-2000 buildings in New Zealand.

• The asbestos fibres can be harmful if inhaled, so it is important to identify and safely remove all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) before any work takes place.
• The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 require that a refurbishment/demolition survey is carried out before any work that could disturb asbestos.
• The survey helps building owners and contractors fulfil their legal responsibilities regarding the safe management of ACMs.
• The survey helps to identify the presence and location of ACMs, allowing for effective risk management and planning of removal or encapsulation.
• The survey helps to determine the extent of asbestos removal required and to budget for removal costs.
• A refurbishment survey helps to avoid unexpected delays and additional costs that may arise from the discovery of ACMs during work.
• The survey helps ensure compliance with New Zealand's asbestos regulations, protecting both workers and building occupants.

See Managing asbestos in schools for more information