Reduction: Reduce the impacts of snowstorms
This page provides snowstorm 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.