Reduction: Reduce the impacts of snowstorms
This page provides snowstorm risk reduction messages.
Take steps to reduce the impact of snowstorms if you live in an area at risk of heavy snowfall:
- Make sure buildings are properly insulated to keep the heat in during winter.
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to keep out cold air.
- Consider installing double-glazed windows. Double glazing can halve heat loss through windows.
- If double glazing is not an option, you can install window insulation film.
- If you are in an area prone to freezing, consider insulating and installing a heat trace cable on all exterior water pipes and interior pipes located on outside walls (and anywhere else that temperatures can go below freezing).
- Install snow straps, to reduce the chance of gutters sagging or breaking under the weight of snow.
- Consider buying heating equipment that can be used if the power goes out, such as a gas heater.
- Do not use outdoor gas appliances indoors. If you have an unflued portable gas heater, only use it in well ventilated areas. Never use an unflued gas heater in a bedroom, bathroom, caravan or tent.
- You can learn more about unflued gas heaters on the health.govt.nz website.