Welcome, everybody, to the Spiritboard community.
Care Centre - Emergency Contact Information
New Zealand – South Island – Canterbury - Christchuch
Please use official support channels and always look after family and pets first. Following are verified checked contact details for your area (October, 2010). If you can update any information presented, please advise us through our forum.
Please log in to our forum to update your situation as and when you can. The Team are here as much as they can to offer online support and friendship.
Housing:
Christchurch Emergency Shelters (Government established):
Here are the emergency numbers for the Shelters that have been set up by government.
0800 77 9997
03 941 8999
03 363 7400
Broken windows
If you have property to be secured, call AMN (Asset Management Network) glaziers directly on 0800 221 331.
The Civil Defence
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf has information on hospitals, water supplies, roads and building safety.
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf
Get Thru - Conserving Water
More information on how to conserve water is on governments Get Thru website…
School updates:
All enquires for local schools in Christchurch should be directed to The Ministry Of Education website: or call the 0800 number 0800 255580
Medical:
Residents are requested to visit one of the local centres in the first instance.
Google Maps has links to local Medical Centres…
The Earthquake Commission (EQC)
Please lodge any claims from Earthquake damage with them (regardless of your insurance situation). Call 0800 DAMAGE (326 243). People have up to 3 months to make a claim.
People requiring information on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, Civil Defence or any other government service can call 0800 779 997.
Special Groups:
Affected farmers
Please contact North Canterbury - Neil Stott, Federated Farmers provincial president on (03) 318 8577 if they need assistance.
The British High Commission has asked British visitors affected by the earthquake who require consular assistance to first refer to their websites http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en and http://www.fco.gov.uk/en.
ANIMALS
* Emergency animal welfare incidents can be reported on 03 366 3886.
* Anyone who had lost an animal for more than 24 hours should call SPCA Track-A-Pet on 0900 56 787.
Serious Emergency?
Call 111 for fire, ambulance or police services only in a real emergency. For any less serious situations, call your local police station. For a list of police station contacts in the Canterbury region:
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority
...has issued advice to residents without power and water to help them minimise food spoilage.
Their tips include:
FOOD
* Eat perishable foods, for example bread and meat first.
* Eat canned foods last.
* Minimise food spoilage by opening the fridge or freezer only when you need to take food out.
* Do not eat vegetables or fruits that have been lying in flood water.
* Cover all food with plastic wrap or store in waterproof containers.
* Throw out rotting or tainted food before it spoils other food.
WATER
* The following household facilities can be used to cook, wash dishes, and wash your hands:
- hot water cylinder
- toilet cistern - as long as no chemical toilet cleaner is present
- bottled water
- spa/swimming pool water - can use to wash yourself and your family.
Boil or purify water before using it in food preparation, and to avoid cross-contamination of food. Once boiled, cover and store in a clean container and place in the fridge (if it's working) or in some other cool place. Re-boil the water if it is not used within 24 hours.
If you do not have power to boil water then purifying tablets or bleach can be added to ensure its safety. Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water and leave for 30 minutes.
Please all, your thoughts and energies for those in need.
Remember --- it's a good time to stock up on some fresh water and check your emergency supplies.
An 'Earthquake' thread is also in the ALERTS area of the SB Forum Members section for ongoing news. Looking forward to knowing your status when you can.
