The recent floods have caused havoc and 138 red, 542 yellow and 1141 white placards, as of early February, have been issued by building assessments teams.
A red placard means re-entry is prohibited because the building is no longer safe or significantly compromised.
A yellow placard mean assessors have concerns about the building’s performance and have restricted entry to part of the building or allow temporary use of the building.
White placards means the property may have minor damage but is sufficiently safe and inhabitable.
It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing etc, and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.
If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe.
Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime.
- This Solutions Column has been compiled by Vani and is a regular Times editorial from the Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau. Email enquiries.pakuranga@cab.org.nz or Visit us at the Library Building, Pakuranga, Phone 576 8331 and at Botany Citizens Advice Bureau, rear Food Court entrance, Botany Town Centre, Phone 271 5382 or 0800 367 222 for free, confidential and informative help.
