Current Situation

Key Information for Selwyn Residents following the Earthquake

Key updates at 5 pm, 8 September

Schools
Southbridge Primary School will be opening tomorrow (Thursday). All other schools will remain closed within the District until further notice. Updates will be provided on the Council and Ministry of Education websites and through the media once the information comes to hand.

Water
The blanket boil water notice has been lifted across Selwyn District, with the exception of Malvern Hills rural water supply. Water from private bores and wells used for drinking should still be boiled until it has been tested and verified safe. Contact the council if you need your bore or well to be tested. There is no charge for this service.

Services available at Selwyn Community Welfare Centres
Services available at the Welfare Centres based at Rolleston Community and Darfield Recreation Centres include up-to-date information on the situation and services, Work and Income support, and Victim Support. Visitors to the centres can also get a cup of tea and talk to people in a similar situation to them.

Rubbish Collection
Please don’t put masonry, concrete bricks, or other rubble in your wheelie bin. Bins weighing more than 60 kgs will not be lifted. More information about how to manage this type of material is available from the Council and will be published next week.

Insurance
It is important to take photos of any damage and to keep materials as evidence. You need to contact your insurance company to get a policy number prior to calling the Earthquake Commission (EQC). The EQC’s phone number is 0800 326 243.

Money Matters
We are aware that some of you may be concerned about money. If you have been affected by the Canterbury Earthquake, you and your family may be able to get some financial assistance. Please contact the Government Helpline on 0800 77 999 7 for more information, or visit Work and Income NZ.

Support for Farmers is also available through the Mid and North Canterbury Trust. Contact the Council for more information.

Local Businesses
We need to hear from local businesses that need our assistance. Please contact us so that we know what support you require. Over the next few days we will be prioritising food premises for checks.

Coffee & Play Session
Thursday at 9.30am to 11.30am and Friday at 2.00pm to 3.30pm there will be a coffee and play session for parents and preschoolers at the Darfield Recreation Centre.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

8 SEPTEMBER 2010 – 5.00 pm

Are schools open?
Southbridge Primary School is opening on Thursday 9 September. All other Schools will remain closed on Wednesday. An update on when other schools will open will be provided on the Council and Ministry of Education websites and through the media as information comes to hand.

Are the medical centres open?
Yes

The GP’s have asked us to remind you to thoroughly wash hands prior to eating and food preparation. Where applicable also use hand sanitisers or equivalent.

What do I do if someone is passing on information that worries me?
It is important to check the source of the information. Ensure that any information you receive is from an official source such as the Council, Civil Defence or the Police. Ask for ID to confirm authenticity.

I need some help where do I find it?
There are Welfare Centres at the Rolleston Community Centre and the Darfield Recreation Centre.

Council staff members, government agencies such as Work and Income and other support are located at the centres to assist you. Come in for a cuppa and a chat.

Additional Centres will be open over the next 24 hours in Leeston and Lincoln.

Where can I find information on financial assistance?
If you have been affected by the Canterbury Earthquake, you and your family may be able to get some financial assistance. Please contact the Government Helpline on 0800 77 999 7 for more information, or visit Work and Income NZ.

When will these aftershocks stop?
It is likely that there will be aftershocks for some time to come but they will decrease in frequency and strength.

There are a lot of rumours around about another big quake. Is one coming?
Earthquakes can’t be predicted.

It is important that you ensure that the information you are receiving in regard to the emergency is correct and coming from a reliable source such as a Civil Defence, a government department or your local council.

When will the power be on?
Please contact Orion web site at www.oriongroup.co.nz or call 0800 363 9898.

I think my house is unsafe. What should I do?
Contact the Council. We will do an inspection to identify if the house is habitable. This inspection is not related to any insurance claims.

Where do I get bottled water from?
A limited supply of bottled water is available at the Welfare Centres.

What do I need to do to claim insurance?
It is important that you take photos of any damage and keep broken material as evidence.

Contact your insurance company to get your policy number and then call the Earthquake Commission to log your claims.

Are all roads open?
SH77 is closed between Glentunnel and Glenroy.
Sections of Ellesmere, Longstaffs and Trices Roads north of Ellesmere Road remain closed.
The Davis Road and Saybys Road bridges are out of action.
Some roads around Tai Tapu are damaged and settlement could have occurred affecting bridges.
Care should be taken on all roads, and particularly approaching bridges.
Repairs have commenced.

Is my water contaminated?
The blanket boil water notice has been lifted across Selwyn District, with the exception of Malvern Hills rural water supply. Water from private bores and wells used for drinking should still be boiled for at least 3 minutes.

The water may be discoloured for a time, if you put it in a container and let it settle it should clear.

Can I use the sewerage system?
Yes. Flush your toilet but please limit your water use to essential activity only.

Can I turn on my irrigation?
Do not start irrigation submersibles. Wait until the aquifer has settled. Contact your irrigation contractor for advice and assistance before start up.

What about farm assistance?
Help is available through the Mid and North Canterbury Trust. Ring the Council and we will put you in touch with the correct people.

Are Metro buses to Christchurch, Rolleston & Burnham running?
Yes.

Are the Libraries/ Service Centres open?
Libraries in Rolleston, Darfield, Leeston and Lincoln are open today, and the mobile library is visiting communities.

Are Council offices operating?
Council offices are operating and normal services are being supplied wherever possible.

Detailed information on services, support and facilities available in the Selwyn District:

• Key points and other important information
• All available information as updated

If you have any concerns about this event, please phone the Selwyn District Council on (03) 347-2800 or (03) 318-8338.

Location of the Earthquake