Extreme weather: Information for businesses
Extreme weather events could happen throughout New Zealand this summer. Here’s where you will find information and advice about:
- having an emergency plan
- looking after your employees
- operating safely in extreme temperatures
- what to do if you are a farmer or grower.
Have an emergency plan
Putting time into planning for emergencies makes good business sense – it helps keep you and your workers safe and minimises downtime.
Depending on your workplace and type of work, a plan can range from simple to more complex as the risk of an emergency rises.
Business continuity planning
Now could be a good time to check you are prepared for a natural disaster. Being prepared can:
- save lives and prevent harm
- help you continue trading through hardship
- give staff and owners confidence
- protect equipment and premises.
Working safely in extreme temperatures
Extremely hot or cold environments can cause heat-related or cold-related illness or injury to your employees.
Find out how to make sure your employees’ health and safety is not put at risk while carrying out work in extreme temperatures.
Mental health and wellbeing
If you or your employees are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, check out our resources on keeping yourself and your business healthy and well.
Find out about wellbeing, resilience, and where you can get support.
Farmers and growers
This summer will see the arrival of El Niño, a climate pattern that can cause adverse weather.
The Ministry for Primary Industries and other agencies help farmers and growers affected by El Niño events.
Find out what you can do to prepare, and where to get advice and information.
Insurance
Business insurance can cover everything from damage to premises, lost or damaged stock, equipment or goods owned by others, vehicles and cover for not being able to operate as well as business interruption cover for loss of profit.
In an emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time. Find out what to do before, during and after fires, storms, floods and landslides to keep yourself, your employees and your business safe.
Looking after your employees
Take care of yourself and your employees during this time.
If it’s not safe for them to work, don’t require them to do so.
Keep communicating with them. You may need to consider changes to your leave policy.
Stay up to date with weather forecasts
You can get the latest weather information from MetService.
Pay attention to watches and warnings.
Forecast your cash flow
In times of uncertainty, understanding your financial situation is important. Use our cash flow forecaster to help stay on top of your finances.