CIVIL DEFENCE
MEDIA STATEMENT
Earthquake – February 22 2011 – 610 pm
Emergency Management for Christchurch earthquake: plans needed for night coming.
Civil Defence authorities are asking people affected by today’s Christchurch earthquake to check they have plans in place for the evening before it gets dark.

Residents are advised that, if their home is damaged or they feel unsafe in your home, make arrangements to stay with friends, neighbours or a relation’s for the night. It is important people make a plan before nightfall.

Welfare Centres will be available after 7.00pm at Burnside High School, Memorial Ave and Addington Raceway.

Tourists to the city are advised to liaise with their accommodation provider or tour operator.

People should expect aftershocks, which are impossible to predict with any accuracy.

Residents are advised to conserve water and boil drinking water for three minutes

The central city of Christchurch remains closed to traffic. People are being warned to stay away from the central city for their own safety and to let emergency services do their job.

For roads information: See www.nzta.govt.nz
Civil Defence advises residents to:

- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.
- Help those around you if you can.
- See www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz for updated information.
- Only attend A and E at the hospital if absolutely essential. For other injuries, contact your nearest after hours medical centre.

Listen to the radio for advice and information.

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