Could your household cope if winter cut us off?

Over the past few weeks, many residents have experienced a taste of just how disruptive winter weather can be. Snowfall, icy roads, heavy rain, strong winds and road closure warnings have affected travel across the district and wider South Island, while recent weather events have seen Emergency Operations Centres activated to coordinate responses to flooding, rising lake levels and transport disruptions.

It raises an important question: what would happen if a severe winter storm cut our district off for several days?

Would you have enough food, water and medication? Would you know where to get reliable information? And could you support yourself and your household if power, internet or other essential services were disrupted?

These were some of the questions explored during a recent Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) exercise involving Queenstown Lakes District Council, Emergency Management Otago and partner agencies. The exercise simulated a major winter storm affecting the district, bringing heavy snowfall, road closures, infrastructure disruption and isolated communities.

While the scenario was fictional, the risks are very real.

Know your trusted sources

The exercise highlighted an important reality: in a significant emergency, it's not just food, water and essential supplies that matter. Access to reliable information is just as important. Knowing where to find trusted updates can help households make informed decisions, avoid misinformation and stay safe.

It’s important to rely on official channels, including:

• The QLDC website.

• QLDC's Facebook page (@QLDCinfo).

• Emergency Management Otago's website and social media channels.

• Local radio stations.

These channels provide verified information, updates on road closures and hazards, and advice on what actions people should take.

A district exposed to extreme weather

The Queenstown Lakes District faces a range of natural hazards, including flooding, storms, snow, landslides, earthquakes and infrastructure failures. Severe weather can quickly affect roads, power supplies, communications and access to essential goods and services.

Recent weather events in Otago have highlighted how quickly conditions can change. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding, rising lake levels and road closures across parts of the region, while snow and ice continue to impact alpine routes such as the Crown Range and Lindis Pass.

While emergency agencies work together to coordinate responses during major events, one of the most important factors in community resilience is individual preparedness.

Are you ready?

Being prepared doesn't mean expecting the worst. It simply means ensuring you can be self-sufficient for several days if normal services are disrupted.

Consider whether your household has:

• Drinking water and food for at least three days.

• Prescription medications and essential medical supplies.

• Torches, batteries and a battery-powered radio.

• Backup phone charging options.

• Warm clothing and blankets.

• Pet food and supplies.

• A household emergency plan and emergency contact list.

Community resilience starts with neighbours

One of the strongest assets our district has is its communities.

During an emergency, neighbours are often the first people able to provide support. If it's safe to do so, check on friends, whānau and neighbours who may need assistance, particularly older residents, people living alone, or those with health or mobility challenges.

Community Resilience Groups and Community Emergency Response Centres also play an important role in helping communities respond when normal services are disrupted, providing local coordination, information and support close to home.

Find your local community resilience group or emergency response centre here

Get prepared!

The recent EOC exercise, combined with the wild winter weather we've already experienced this season, is a reminder that emergencies can happen with little warning. Councils, emergency services and partner agencies all have important roles to play, but resilient communities start with prepared households.

Now is a good a time as any to check your emergency supplies, review your household plan and make sure you know where to find trusted information. Because when the next weather event arrives, the best time to prepare will already have passed!