Napier City Council Media Release
Tuesday 21 February 2:00pm
Thanks again for all your help and work this week. Especially thanks to those who are going above and beyond to get information out to our communities. Here’s some things we need your help with today.
ROADS
URGENT TRAFFIC UPDATE: Police and FENZ are re-establishing cordons in the Awatoto area while the risk to public from any silt contamination is assessed. Please respect the cordons and let the testing team work unhindered. As soon as Civil Defence is able to open this area, we will let you know.
Roads are very busy and we need to encourage people to stay home unless they need to travel. Roads need to be kept clear for critical and emergency work only. Prepare for delays on our roads especially coming through Clive and Taradale.
SILT, DUST & MUD
As the silt mud dries to dust, we strongly encourage people to wear face masks, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when clearing sites. The dust will contain contaminants that could be harmful. The silt contains toxins, chemicals and fecal matter that can be inhaled in and make people sick. Also make sure you wash your hands after handling flood debris and silt.
We also ask that silt isn’t tipped and left on roadsides that’s already been cleared of mud and flood debris. We don’t want the silt washed into our stormwater system as this will block the drains and cause future flooding.
Avoid all contact with floodwaters and mud. Contaminated water can contain harmful sewage, toxic chemicals, and hidden debris. Do not swim, fish, collect shellfish, or let dogs near the water. It is not safe. Contaminated floodwaters can cause severe illness. If you do come into contact with floodwaters clean yourself and any clothing/shoes thoroughly.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Maintain good hygiene practices is important. Remember to wash and dry your hands every time you use the toilet or handle waste. Use hand sanitiser whenever possible. In an emergency, where a life is at risk, call 111. For urgent health care, City Medical at Napier Health Centre is open 24-hours, Maraenui Medical Centre is open 10-12pm, and the Taradale Medical Centre is open 9am-midday.
POWER & GAS
· As at 9am, Tuesday 21 February 83% of homes are now connected in Napier and 97% in Hastings.
· There are still 6,567 homes without power in Hawke’s Bay: 5,403 homes in Napier and 1164 in Hastings.
· In the last 24 hours Unison has restored power to a further 3,756 customers in Hawke’s Bay, which is 69,639 customers in total since Cyclone Gabrielle hit last Monday night.
· Please treat all damaged and downed lines as live, and report faults and outages at www.unison.co.nz/outages or by phoning 0800 2 UNISON (0800 2 86476).
· When you are reconnected to the network, conserve power to ensure there is enough for everyone. Look for every opportunity to save power: turn off air-conditioning, turn devices off at the wall rather than leaving on standby, reduce use of lights and high consumption devices.
· LPG gas is in good supply and home deliveries will recommence once the roads are clear.
WATER
It is important to know our drinking water is safe to drink. It’s still important to manage your water use as much as possible. Follow these simple guidelines:
· Don’t rush to flush: Keep toilet flushing to an absolute minimum
· 1-minute showers: If you have to shower keep it quick, even better take a sponge bath
· Wash dishes by hand
· Save laundry washing for a few days’ time, or wash items by hand
· Do not hose silt into driveways. This will clog the stormwater and cause flooding even in minor rain.
FLOOD DAMAGED HOMES
Returning home after a flood – what’s the risk?
· Flood water can contain lots of nasty bugs that could make you and your family sick. Before you start the clean-up process, it’s important to follow these steps to keep you and your family safe:
· Keep away from flood waters which may have been contaminated.
· If you feel unwell after coming into contact with flood water, call your doctor or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116
· Do not consume thawed food after 48 hours
· Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before preparing food/eating
· If you feel unwell, contact a doctor or ring Healthline 0800 611 116
· Help vulnerable people, like infants or elderly.