12 July 2007

Check your neighbours – look out for each other

As severe weather clears in the northern North Island, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is urging people to check their neighbours and look out for each other.

"Contact with neighbours should not stop even though the bad weather might have stopped," said the Ministry's Director, John Hamilton. "People could be injured or unable to contact anyone, especially as telephones might still be out."

Any people requiring welfare assistance (e.g. accommodation, non-emergency medical issues, food, etc) should telephone 0800 779 997. The emergency number is 111.

"Even if people are not injured, friendly company can be a great help and support," Mr Hamilton said. "A chance to talk, see a friendly face, have a cup of tea together can be a great reassurance at a time of stress."

Food

Food that is not in waterproof, sealed containers and that has been affected by floodwaters should not be eaten. Please dispose of it carefully so that other people do not eat it.

Food in freezers that have defrosted should not be re-frozen. Defrosted food should be carefully checked before cooking – if people are unsure about its safety, they should dispose of it carefully.

Radio messages

People should listen to their transistor radios for updates. Local Civil Defence & Emergency Management groups are providing frequent public messages.

Telecommunications

The Ministry and local Civil Defence & Emergency Management groups are working with telecommunications companies to ensure that people who are still without telephone coverage have connections restored as quickly as possible.

Northland

The Northland Regional Council's website, www.nrc.govt.nz, is dedicated to recording flooding response, road closures etc.

Air force helicopters and army trucks are providing supplies to isolated communities, and the pilots and drivers are providing information about what services are needed.

Power is gradually being restored and considerable progress is expected today as many more power company staff can get into the field.

Dargaville was not flooded yesterday and a close watch is being kept on the Northern Wairoa River, particularly as the tide comes in peaking in the afternoon. Five homes were evacuated yesterday as a precaution.

Auckland

Power is being restored, with the area North of Albany the worst hit. Between about 6,000 and 7,000 customers were still without power mid-morning today. Most are on farms and in small communities. Some people have not had power for 48 hours.

Thames/Coromandel

All utilities are gradually being restored.

Powerco staff are working to find faults and fix them. They are asking people who notice trees on power lines, or lines down to call 0800 27 27 27.

Almost all roads are open again. There is still a lot of debris on the roads, however, so people should drive with extreme care.

People with medical conditions are urged to make arrangements with either St Johns Ambulance or Thames Hospital. Do not go to Thames Hospital unless it is an emergency.

ENDS

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