# Weather Event Prep & Cleanup Tips

- **Published:** 18 May 2023
- **Type:** Blog
- **Tags:** Lawn & garden

No matter where you live in New Zealand, the weather can be touch and go, to say the least. Yep, we do get some stellar days. But sometimes, it all goes south (so to speak), and you can be left with a big cleanup job.

The good news is, there are ways you can try to prepare for a storm or other weather event. And there are some [handy tools](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment.md) to help after the fact, including a [power generator](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/generators-power-distribution.md), [dehumidifier](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/dehumidifiers.md) and trusty [chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527a-chainsaw-petrol-16-to-18-bar.md). This guide will cover tips, tricks, and gear that can be handy before or after a storm. Here’s what we’ll go over:

[How weather events can damage your home](#how-weather-events-can-damage-your-home)

How to prepare your home for a severe weather event

How to clean up after a weather event

## How weather events can damage your home

It’s no secret that a storm can rough up your backyard. Yes, [severe storms](https://environment.govt.nz/news/the-science-linking-extreme-weather-and-climate-change/) and [natural disasters](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/new-zealand-disasters/timeline) can cause serious damage and severely impact people's lives. But sometimes, even smaller weather events can wreck your property too.

### The effects of extreme heat

If you’ve ever been stuck indoors during a heatwave, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be. But extreme heat can also cause damage to your property. Most commonly, high temperatures can cause warping and damage to your roof. This eventually could lead to leaks.

Heading outside, and extreme heat can damage your lawn and yard as plant life dries out. In extreme cases, these conditions can also lead to wildfires which can cause major damage to your home.

### The impact of flooding

There have been some severe flooding examples in New Zealand, especially in recent times. But even more minor cases of flooding and large puddles can cause damage to your home and yard.

Heavy flooding can damage your foundations, walls and wiring. Not to mention, large puddles and flooding outside can effectively drown your lawn and plant life.

### Damage from severe wind

Especially in more rural and isolated parts of the country, strong winds can be a regular problem. [Storms, particularly strong winds, can happen any time of the year](https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/storms/). As many have experienced before, wind can often push over trees and down powerlines leading to a blackout. In extreme cases, strong winds can even smash windows and lift up roof tiles.

### Impact damage from hail

Hail isn’t as common as strong winds or heavy rain. But when it does happen, it can cause damage to your roof or car. Other types of damage from hail some don’t consider include damage to:

- Timber decking
- External air con units
- Guttering

[Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/hail-damage-automobile-car-roof-1272030/)

### Damage from earthquakes

Although it’s not technically a weather event, [earthquakes are common in New Zealand](https://www.gns.cri.nz/our-science/natural-hazards-and-risks/earthquakes/new-zealands-faults/). There have been extreme examples in the past, but even small shakes can cause damage to your home’s foundation and other structural damage. As well as that, quakes can cause landscaping headaches, including slips and liquefaction.

## How to prepare your home for a severe weather event

Although you may not be able to predict exactly what’s coming and the severity, many weather events you can at least see coming. This means that there are ways you can try to prepare and protect your property from damage.

### Having backup power ready

As we’ve said, downed powerlines and damage to power stations can, unfortunately, lead to blackouts. For many Kiwis, power isn’t just to keep the lights on but also vital for cooking or medical conditions.

If the weather forecast says a big storm is coming, especially strong winds, it may be a good idea to [hire a power generator](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/generators-power-distribution.md). At Hirepool, we have a range of larger 3-phase generators that are usually used on the work site, but we also have smaller power generators for hire as well. For advice on choosing the right power generator to hire or setting one up, read our [advanced gear guide on generators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/advanced-gear-guide-generators.md).

**Top tip:** There are also other [handy online resources](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/eight-things-to-do-when-a-power-cut-strikes/6F752ESJU2ZCDQD5BQBMF3FNPI/) for what to do during a blackout.

### Give your roof a once over

If a storm damages your roof, this can mean trouble. Sometimes, damage is unavoidable. But it’s well worth getting up on a [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders.md) to inspect your roof before the weather rolls in. Look for any loose tiles or shingles that the wind may lift up. If there are, do want you can to secure them. If you have an awkward roof or live in a multi-story house, check out our range of [access equipment for hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/access.md) at Hirepool.

### Having a backup heating option

Especially during winter, the last thing you want is to be left out in the cold. If you’ve heard the news of a serious weather event that’s on the way, it may be a good idea to find a [heater for hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/heaters.md). If there’s a power cut, you may be unable to use your regular heater. So, an industrial heater that runs on petrol or diesel would be the way to go.

### Secure items outside

You’ve probably heard stories of trampolines blowing away in the wind. But many other items, like deck chairs and tables, can also be picked up by strong winds. As well as damaging the items themselves, moving deck chairs and the like can also damage the exterior of your home and the deck itself. If a storm is coming, move items inside, or try to [tie down](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/tie-downs-trailer-nets.md) what you can.

### Clear out your gutters

During a storm, it’s easy for your guttering to be clogged, blocked or damaged. Although this may be unavoidable, especially when there’s heavy rain, you can still try to prevent it. Before a heavy storm or rain, get up on a ladder to check and unblock your guttering so that water and potential debris is less likely to get stuck. Depending on what your guttering is made of, a [water blaster](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/water-blasters.md) can be helpful for clearing it out.

### Board up windows in extreme cases

You probably won’t need to do this often. But, when there’s a severe incoming weather event, like a cyclone, for example, you may also want to board up windows. Extreme wind can sometimes smash and break windows and doors. We’ve got a [range of saws](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws.md) to help cut wood to size.

## How to clean up after a weather event

Sometimes, a storm or other weather event will damage your house and yard, no matter how prepared you are. Or, a storm can come out of nowhere and catch you by surprise. It’s never enjoyable having to clean up and repair damage. But there are ways to go about it so that you’re safe and get everything back to looking normal sooner.

### Put safety first

As with any work around home, safety must always be the top priority. After a storm, your outdoor or indoor space could have many hazards. Always take a safe than sorry approach, and where the proper safety gear. Items you may want to consider include:

- [Thick gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves.md)
- Thick boots
- [Ear muffs](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear.md)
- [Safety glasses](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses.md)

### Draining water

Draining water can be a big part of the cleanup after a storm or heavy rain. Small surface puddles will often dry out on their own over time. But, if you have a lot of flood water inside or outside, a pump is the way to go.

At Hirepool, we have a [range of pump options](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/pumps-accessories.md) depending on where and what the water is like. Generally, a submersible pump or trash pump is the best option, as they can work with any other debris that may also be in the water. For more submersible pump pointers, read our guide on [how to choose the right pump for the job](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/how-to-choose-the-right-pump-for-the-job.md).

### Drying carpets and walls

Once you’ve gotten rid of the bulk of water after a big storm or heavy rain, you may have damp flooring or walls. If left, this moisture can cause mould and irreversible damage. You can approach getting moisture out of walls and carpets in several ways.

One of the best ways is to use an [industrial heater](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/heaters.md) and [dehumidifier or dehumidifier fan](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/dehumidifiers.md). Choosing to hire a dehumidifier and industrial heater to use together makes the process a lot quicker. We have a blog on [how to use a heater and dehumidifier together](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/how-to-use-a-heater-and-dehumidifier-on-site.md) that explains why in more detail and how to go about it. Other gear you could use includes an [industrial fan](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/fans.md).

**Top tip**: If your flooring or walls are beyond repair, read our guides on [how to remove old flooring without doing serious damage to your home](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-remove-old-flooring-without-doing-serious-damage-to-your-home.md) and [super simple guide to relining a room.](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/super-simple-guide-to-re-lining-a-room.md)

### Clearing downed trees

If there have been really strong winds, chances are there will be fallen trees and other plant life strewn across your property. Depending on the extent of the fallen trees, you may need to start with a chainsaw. If you’re working around an area with flooding, a petrol chainsaw is the better option for safety. As well as that, petrol chainsaws can be used even if you’re without power. We have a range of [chainsaws for hire at Hirepool](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws.md). To get started, read our [top chainsaw tips and tricks](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/top-chainsaw-tips-and-tricks.md).

Once you’ve chopped up larger trees and logs, using a pruner to clean up hanging branches can be a good idea. Then, you can put the green waste and logs into a [wood chipper or log splitter](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/mulchers-chippers-log-splitters.md). We also have a guide on [how to use a log splitter](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-use-a-log-splitter.md).

### Remove debris

As part of your cleanup after a storm or weather event, you’ll need to remove and dispose of any waste safely. Depending on the amount of waste, you may need a single or tandem-axle trailer. You can [hire a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers.md) from Hireopol. Once your load is full, find the nearest designated dump station.

**Top tip**: If you’re cleaning up your yard, even if there hasn’t been a storm, read our [ultimate spring yard clean up checklist](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/ultimate-spring-yard-clean-up-checklist.md). It’ll help you get started.

### Repair any structural damage

Depending on the extent of damage, you may need to get in a professional tradie. But, with the right gear and advice, many repair jobs a keen DIYer can do themselves. Generally, electrical work, plumbing and roofing should be left to a pro. But repair jobs you can often do yourself include:

- [Fixing decking](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/attaching-decking-boards.md)
- [Repainting](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/preparing-your-house-for-exterior-painting.md)
- General landscaping
- Putting up new guttering
- [Relining a room](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/super-simple-guide-to-re-lining-a-room.md)

## Make light work of cleaning up with Hirepool

Storms and weather events should not be taken lightly. As such, preparations is often key. But if you do have a cleanup job on your hands, we’re here to help at Hirepool. Always keep an eye out for any [national severe weather warnings](https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home).

As we see more extreme weather in New Zealand, Hirepool is committed to doing our bit and reducing our impact on the environment. Read more about [how we approach sustainability](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/hirepool-sustainability.md). Or, check out some of our work in the community, like our [Hirepool big clean in Wellington](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/news-events/hirepool-big-clean-hits-wellington-for-seaweek-2023.md) and [Christchurch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/news-events/christchurch-big-clean-collects-over-4000-litres-of-rubbish.md).

## Equipment mentioned

- [Generator Petrol 2.0kVA to 2.9kVA](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/building-renovation-accessories/371c-generator-petrol-2-0kva-to-2-9kva.md)
- [Dehumidifiers Small](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/cooling-heating-ventilation/dehumidifiers/459a-dehumidifiers-small.md)
- [Chainsaw Petrol 16" to 18" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527a-chainsaw-petrol-16-to-18-bar.md)
- [Trailer High Side Single Axle up to 2.47m x 1.5m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers/611d-trailer-high-side-single-axle-up-to-2-47m-x-1-5m.md)

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/weather-event-prep-cleanup-tips