Tie everything down
If you have trampolines weighted down, I highly recommend you get them tied down. And leave the net openings undone. If the zips or ties are done up they are more likely to catch wind and tear. This is supposed to be a doozy, and trampoline weights are only good for bouncing ballast, not cyclone winds.
A packet of strops (tie downs) is about $20, from Tumu, Bunnings or M10. They are worth their weight in gold.
If you can’t tie your tramp down take the mat off, or tip it on its side and take the legs off, and shove it flat against a solid fence or wall, with a solid weight holding it in place, or even a couple of Waratahs in the ground to secure it in place, or behind a shed. Tie it to a tree or concreted clothesline or fence post. Secure it as best you can, even if the best you can do is shove it under the trees in the garden.
Put outdoor furniture away, or stack it flat against a wall, with something really heavy in front. Even ashtrays outside can become projectiles. And make sure your bbq gas bottle is in the shed or garage.
Shut your curtains and blinds before the big winds hit. They’ll offer extra protection from flying debris.
Be prepared for power outages. Have cooked food, or food that doesn’t need cooking, on hand. And get firewood in, if you have a fire. You can use that for cooking, heating, heating water, and light.
Make sure your phones are fully charged and you have batteries or charged power banks. And don’t use them up on Facebook or videos or using the flash for a torch.
And keep your pets inside too.
Take care and take care of each other.
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.8% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.