Recent extreme weather events in the top of the south – Buller, Tasman, Nelson & Marlborough, have had a major impact on peoples’ lives.
Damage to housing, businesses, roads and infrastructure because of flooding and high winds has been significant.
The regional authorities affected by these events have all posted details on their websites to inform the public and business owners/managers.
It is notable that many regional authorities are now utilising a mobile app – Antenno - to push notices to subscribers using the free app based on “addresses” of interest. The user does not need to actively monitor anything – they will be notified of anything relevant to their places of interest.
Individuals download the app and list addresses of interest. These may be their homes or those of family members’, places of work, schools etc. Any notices relevant to the specific locations raised by the relevant Authority are pushed to the Antenno app users.
Antenno also allows users to advise their council of problems or provide suggestions. These reports allow the authorities to respond directly to the person keeping them informed about what’s happening.
Marlborough District Council, Nelson City Council and the Tasman District Council all utilise the Antenno app.
I’d recommend individuals in these areas download the Antenno app. Similarly managers and owners of food businesses may benefit from being provided with these notifications.
In this recent weather event water supplies have been affected necessitating boil water notices for several potable water schemes. This affects not only domestic users but also the food businesses. One would hope that individuals and businesses in the areas affected by boil water notices were notified by the Antenno App. If you subscribe to Antenno and have an address in one of the areas affected by the boil water notices, it would be interesting to confirm that you received such a notification.
For food businesses affected by flooding, the consequences may also include sewage contaminating buildings, facilities and water supplies. The MPI website has guidance for food businesses under the title Food safety in natural disasters and emergencies. Preparing for such events and having an Emergency Response Plan may allow you to get your business up and running again quickly.
