To identify and describe the key communication and health protection issues surrounding a flooding emergency.

A telephone questionnaire was used to assess health and safety information sources, information recalled, and behavioral responses among residents of the town of Feilding, New Zealand following a major floodin February 2004. This was supplemented by key informant interviews and a newspaper content analysis.

A total of 154 adult residents were surveyed (76% of those successfully contacted and eligible). Of the respondents, 79% recalled being provided with health and safety information from authorities. The majorsources were: radio (41%), pamphlets (23%), and newspapers (20%). The regional newspaper had extensive coverage of this flooding emergency but “health” only was mentioned in 46 (7%) of the 664 flood-related articles.

Of those who recalled receiving information from authorities, most (89%) perceived that it was adequate. Nevertheless, 18% actively sought out information (mainly about water safety and availability). In the post-flood period, 73% of all respondents boiled water; however, only 4% maintained boiling water or bottled water use for the necessary nine-week period. Some forms of emergency preparations did not change substantially from before the flood, compared to four months afterwards (e.g., having a radio with batteries increased from 62% to 68%). Perceived health concerns around the flooding were low, though 59% were concerned about the risk ofwater contamination. Actual self-reported, health consequences from the flood were rare, as only two (1%) people out of 154 reported flood-related health problems.

Health and safety information generally was communicated successfully and was regarded as appropriate by the population of this floodaffected town. Nevertheless, there are further improvements needed in the emergency response by both residents and authorities.