Welfare teams check on 5000 households

Auckland Emergency Management has coordinated visits to 5000 households over this weekend in areas affected by the power outage.

3000 households were visited today by 138 people from Police, Fire and Rescue New Zealand, Community Patrols New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force, St John’s Ambulance, and Land Search and Rescue, following visits to 2000 properties yesterday.

Auckland Emergency Management’s community hubs will close tomorrow and remaining people affected by the power outage can get support from Auckland Council Pools and Leisure centres, Auckland Libraries and Auckland Council Service Centres.

Acting Auckland Emergency Management Director Craig Glover says more power has been restored throughout the day.

“As more power is restored we’ve had less people needing our assistance in the community hubs. People are encouraged to visit Auckland Council Pools and Leisure centres and Auckland Libraries for information and support on Monday.

“We will continue to support those without power and residents can contact us on 0800 22 22 00 if they need assistance,” he says.

Vector advises us that up to 1500 properties are without power. Counties Power advises that it has restored power to all but 175 properties.

Auckland Emergency Management has delivered 240 portaloos and 19,800 litres of water to affected households and to fire stations for distribution.

The Ministry of Social Development received 35 phone calls for assistance today, with 12 staff assisting at community hubs.
Weather

On Monday 16 April there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in the late morning as a front crosses the region. This could bring gusts of 90 or possibly 100km/h for a time to some localised areas.

Check the Metservice website for the latest weather updates.

Water and portaloos
Anyone without access to a toilet or drinking water because of the storm, that can’t get any by other means, can phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

Auckland Council contractors will ensure they are secured for the upcoming weather.

Power

For up to date information visit the Vector and Counties Power websites.

Once power is restored to your property, it may take several hours for the hot water lines be connected and for your cylinder to heat up.

All downed power lines should be treated as live. Stay well away and don’t attempt to cut or move trees that are in contact with lines.

Waste food
If food has spoiled as a result of your power outage you can take it to Waitakere Transfer Station in Henderson and dispose of it for free.

If you cannot access the transfer station and have more than three rubbish sacks of spoiled food, call 0800 222200 to arrange for a special collection.

Auckland Council’s rubbish collection services are scheduled as normal.

Waitakere Transfer Station address: 50 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland 0610
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am-6pm.
Welfare and local help
Auckland Council libraries are open as per normal hours, and people without power can go and get warm, use wifi and charge their phones.

All Auckland Council leisure centres and YMCAs are offering a hot shower for free, and somewhere to get warm and have a hot cup of tea or coffee.

If you need help with urgent or unexpected costs as a result of the Auckland storms, the Ministry of Social Development may be able to help, call 0800 559009. You don’t need to be on a benefit.

Medical health and advice
Contact your GP if you are concerned about health issues and contact your health provider if you need support.
Trees
Auckland Council contractors are working to manage emergency tree works across the region. Contractors are prioritising jobs that pose immediate safety issues.

Trees will be put on berms and mulched at a later date, so contractors can move on to higher priority jobs. This may take weeks to clear.

Report trees down on public land to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.


Animal welfare advice
If a customer’s property is experiencing issues with septic/waste overflow, they should prevent animals coming into contact with this material.
Animals are just as susceptible to becoming unwell as people if they ingest this material. If the customer is boiling water for safe drinking, advise they do the same for the animals.

Pets are just as likely to become unwell by consuming unsafe food. If it is not safe for you to eat, it is not safe for your pets. Customers should contact their vet if they have concerns. If your stock drinking water supply is reliant on power to fill troughs, you will need to keep an eye on stock water to ensure it does not run out.

Rural Support Trust
The Rural Support Trust can provide those living in rural areas with advice and support. Contact the trust on 0800 787 254.

ENDS

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