Extreme Weather
At Paparoa Street School, the poari matua ensures that the kura is a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety (both physical and mental) are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). To keep our kura community safe, we have procedures to help us manage extreme weather conditions. This information is part of our emergency management plan and kept with our printed emergency plans and procedures.
Planning for extreme weather
As part of our emergency management planning, we:
- assess whether our kura area is vulnerable to particular weather events (e.g. flooding, snow)
- monitor weather warnings issued by MetService
- have procedures in place to:
- shelter in place at the kura or evacuate the kura if required
- communicate with our kura community about weather conditions and their impact on the kura (e.g. transport considerations, emergency closure)
- reunite ākonga with their parents/caregivers if the kura is closed
- manage extreme weather during an EOTC event.
Response to extreme weather
We notify our kura community if emergency closure is needed before the kura day begins. If extreme weather threatens during the kura day, we monitor information sources for instructions from local authorities, follow our extreme weather guidelines below, and activate our shelter in place, evacuation and/or emergency closure procedures as appropriate.
Storms
If there is time before the storm arrives we:
- bring ākonga inside
- secure any unanchored outdoor structures or playground items that could cause damage or injury
- turn off and unplug small electrical items as appropriate to protect them from power surges/damage and to prevent electric shocks.
Once the storm arrives we:
- stay inside and away from windows or items that may potentially fall
- stay away from objects that conduct electricity (e.g. wires, cables, appliances)
- unplug large appliances if there is a power outage, to prevent possible damage when power is restored
- use unplugged devices indoors if we need to (e.g. laptops, tablets, cellphones, cordless phones).
We don't continue outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.
We are mindful that tornadoes can sometimes occur during thunderstorms in some parts of New Zealand. If a tornado funnel is seen we take shelter immediately and activate our shelter in place procedure.
High winds
If MetService issues a high wind warning (e.g. strong wind gusts, gales) we:
- move/stay inside and away from windows
- shut and cover all windows (e.g. pull the curtains/close blinds) in order to protect people from any broken glass or debris
- secure any unanchored outdoor structures or playground items that could cause damage or injury.
Heavy snow and rainfall
In the event of heavy snow or rain, our kura monitors the situation and considers closing the kura.
Flooding
If flooding is a potential risk during the kura day, we consider following our evacuation procedures.
During a flood, we:
- follow instructions provided by local civil defence and emergency management authorities
- turn off water, electricity, and gas if advised to
- move records and electrical equipment onto furniture or higher floors to prevent damage if possible and safe to do so
- evacuate to higher ground if required
- stay out of flood water if possible as it may be contaminated.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can become a health and safety issue.
When the temperature is very hot (e.g. heatwave), we:
- stay out of the sun and remain indoors as much as possible
- limit physical activity and encourage everyone to drink plenty of water
- use air conditioned areas if possible (or open windows for ventilation)
- keep buildings cool by closing curtains or blinds.
Also see Sun Protection.
When the temperature is very cold, we:
- use appropriate heating throughout the day
- encourage everyone to wear suitable clothing to stay warm.
We monitor the temperature and its impact on ākonga and kaimahi and take appropriate actions as required.
Related policies
Resources
: Term 4 2025, Term 2 2022
The release history is a record of changes made to a SchoolDocs Core topic as the result of an internal or scheduled review. The date indicates when a change was made. If you have a customised topic, it may not have received the updates described. Release history links are kept for five years, then archived.
