Hospitality businesses across New Zealand should prepare for the commencement of Cyclone Gabrielle. The degree of the cyclone’s effect on your business is unpredictable. It is expected to bring forth severe weather conditions across Aotearoa.
Be prepared. Ensure safety measures and procedures to prioritise the health and well-being of all parties involved and minimise the risk of damage.
Here is a checklist handy to keep safe and prepared through the current weather conditions:
- Follow up with MetService weather forecasts regularly.
- Ensure essential supplies such as first aid kits, medicines, mops, buckets, food, and water are readily available.
- Cash on hand in case of a power outage that could affect your EFTPOS machine.
- Move anything hazardous in your emergency exits and entrances.
- Make sure insurance is up to date.
- Be aware of any debris or objects in or around the store that could be airborne during the cyclone.
- Make sure to have an efficient stocktake of equipment in case of loss and damage.
- Have vehicles in safe parameters and are not blocking any paths.
- Go through safety protocols with staff.
- Ensure a backup power source in case of a power outage, such as a generator.
- Keep up to date with notifying customers of your procedures, including opening and closing times to avoid unnecessary traffic.
- Check on your neighbouring businesses if they need any assistance.
- Stay calm and ensure your employees and customers feel safe and are aware of your protocols in case of unforeseen incidents.
The safety of yourself and the community around you is essential. Businesses have suffered increasing demand in this current climate, so staying calm and following necessary procedures is vital. There are several resources to assist you during these extreme times.
Auckland
For urgent assistance, call 0800 22 22 00.
Northland
For information and assistance on cyclone emergencies:
Whangarei: 0800 932 463
Far North: 080020 029
Kaipara: 0800 727 059
Tairāwhiti: 0800 653 800
Coromandel: 0800 568 273
For all information on how to stay, prepare, and updated information on the cyclone, visit: www.civildefence.govt.nz
