Dunedin recovery response underway after deluge

Dunedin (Thursday, 4 June, 2015) – Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council are urging Dunedin residents whose houses are affected by flooding to contact the DCC on 477 4000.

A civil defence welfare centre has been set up in South Dunedin at the St James Presbyterian Church in King Edward Street. Those needing information and advice can talk to DCC staff and local welfare agency staff at the centre.

All schools in the Dunedin are closed today, for further information contact your school.

All householders are urged to follow the steps outlined by emergency services on how to protect you and your family or friends after flooding:

• Keep children and pets out of any affected area until cleanup has been completed.

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves during cleanup of affected area.

• After contact with any floodwater or contaminated objects, wash your hands with soap and warm water.

• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products). If you cannot dispose of them immediately then bag them (if possible) and put them aside for later disposal.

• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures). First, wash surfaces with soap and warm, clean water to remove dirt. Next, sanitize surfaces with household bleach. Read and follow the safety instructions on any product you use.

• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent.

• Discard any contaminated food: food that has been in contact with flood water or food that has been in a refrigerator or freezer that has been affected by the flood water. Tinned food will be okay but the outside of the can may be contaminated.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

• Below are the most important safety guidelines when using sanitizing products:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.

• Wear gum boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection.

• Try not to breathe in product fumes. If using products indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.

Key messages for the public are:

• Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas

• If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads

• There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly

• All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water

• Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
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• Call emergency services in first instance if you are involved in an emergency situation.

• Please don’t go sightseeing

• If you have to evacuate your house please secure as best you can before leaving.

DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.

For the most up-to-date information please visit:

Dunedin City Council Facebook Page

Dunedin City Council Twitter Page

MetService for Dunedin

NZ Get Thru

ENDS

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