After

After the flooding – insurance and cleaning up

It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so.

In all cases approach your insurance company prior to disposing of any goods or carrying out any restoration on your house.

If your home, car or contents have been damaged by the floods, take photos before you remove or repair anything, and let your insurance company know as soon as possible.

If you need to make your home safe, sanitary, secure and weather tight, record the work done and keep copies of any bills.

If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

Your insurance company will let you know what you need to do next and how to make a claim.

If you believe you have residential land damage from flooding or storms, you can contact either your insurer or the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to discuss EQC Cover.

Learn more about flood and storm damage at www.eqc.govt.nz/storm-damage

EQC have developed this guidance for people who have experienced damage to their farms or rural properties following a natural disaster. For more information email info@eqc.govt.nz or call 0800 DAMAGE (326 243)

Ashburton District Council building inspectors are available to conduct free inspections on any homes or businesses who have sustained floodwater damage. To arrange an inspection, call the Council on 03 307 7700.

Please take into consideration the direction of the wind and be aware of your neighbours and nearby traffic. Burn well away from roads and put out traffic signage for vehicles where necessary.

You CAN burn trees and other greenwaste, provided you meet these requirements:

  • Stockpile the greenwaste and only burn it when it is dry
  • Properties over 2ha in size in a clean air zone may only burn between 1 September and 30 April
  • Guidelines for clean air burning are followed see here for more detail
  • Check that Fire and Emergency does not have any burning restrictions in place, see www.checkitsalright.nz/

  • Fencing materials that cannot be reused or recycled can be buried on-farm or taken to your local council’s transfer station.
  • Silage wrap should be collected for recycling (e.g. Plasback) or taken to your local council’s transfer station disposal.

If you’re thinking about doing some works or are clearing away heavy debris that may drag into the earth, check beforeudig.co.nz who can help identify where cables, pipes and other utility assets are, in and around the proposed dig site.