Let's help get you ready
As our climate changes, Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula will face stronger winds and more windy days.
This can feel unsettling, and it’s often hard to know what to do or where to start.
Our practical tips will help you prepare your home and property, so they’re ready for the changing conditions.
Watch the short video to get started, then scroll down for everything you need to know. Taking the right steps now can make a big difference in the future.
Easy, low-cost ways
We've put together a range of practical, low-to-no-cost solutions to help you ready your home for the impacts of strong wind.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
In strong winds, flying debris can break windows and other glass around your home. Keeping curtains or blinds closed adds an extra layer of protection and helps stop broken glass from spreading throughout your home.
Tear-resistant window film helps reduce the risk of damage and injury from shattered glass during strong winds. It’s affordable and easy to apply yourself.
Trampolines, outdoor furniture, and rubbish bins can be picked up by strong wind gusts. Tie them down securely with straps, clips, or sandbags, or move them somewhere sheltered when a strong wind event is forecast, to prevent damage or injury.
Loose or damaged branches can break in strong winds, posing a danger to your home, family, and other people. Trim trees often and check for dead wood and other potential hazards.
Weather stripping around your garage door keeps out wind, rain, and debris. It also helps stop your garage door from failing in strong wind due to pressure differences that can build up either side of the door. Weather stripping is low cost and simple to install yourself.
Investments
We've put together a range of investment solutions to help you ready your home for the impacts of strong wind.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
Ask for toughened or tempered glass if you’re replacing windows, doors, or skylights. It’s up to five times stronger than standard glass and better able to withstand flying debris in strong winds.
External window shutters can help protect windows from flying objects. They also add resilience to other hazards, like wildfire and high heat. Talk to a builder or hardware store about the best options for your home.
When replacing your garage door, choose one that’s rated for strong winds. This can stop the door from failing and causing further damage to your home.
If you’re re-roofing, ask for wind-resistant materials and a roof design suited to strong winds. Simple, steep shapes, like hip roofs, perform best. Avoid complex designs with chimneys or skylights where possible.
Planting trees in a row on the windy side of your property will dampen strong gusts. Just make sure they’re far enough from your house to avoid damage if branches or trees fall. Your local garden centre can help you choose the right trees.
Be ready
As our climate continues to change, we can expect to face more frequent extreme weather events throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.
Readying your home now for extreme weather events and climate change can make a big difference later. Find out more ways to ready your home for different types of weather events.
Flooding
With heavy rain and flooding on the rise, ready your home to prevent damage and stay dry.
High heat
Increased hotter days are ahead; now’s the time to ready your home for rising temperatures.
Wildfire
Ready your home now for wildfires. Taking steps today will help you be more prepared for future events.
Drought
As longer periods of dry weather become more common, readying your home now will help you be prepared.