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Prepare for the next onslaught of bad weather

Tuesday 21 September 2010, 1:57PM

By Southland District Council

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SOUTHLAND

Emergency Management Southland is continuing to work with the Fire Service and Police as the snow is slowly melting around Invercargill and in Eastern Southland.


The scale of the response will be reduced this afternoon, but with high winds and further snow forecast for the next 48 hours, the emergency operations centre is not being stood down completely, Civil Defence Controller Neil Cruickshank said.


He urged people to take stock of their ability to cope with another onslaught of bad weather and take action today. Many people had been caught out when all Invercargill’s supermarkets closed yesterday.
Mr Cruickshank said that every household should be prepared to cope by having at least three days supply of essential food and water. Torches, battery powered radios and spare batteries were also important items.


Some of the city’s largest buildings have been assessed by structural engineers today, or are awaiting inspection. Building owners are responsible for making sure that their premises are safe before deciding to open and Mr Cruickshank praised those who had taken a responsible attitude by checking their buildings and seeking appropriate advice.


Anyone with damage to their building should contact their insurance company for advice. Those concerned about the structural integrity of their building should seek the advice of a structural engineer. For further advice, contact the Invercargill City Council.


The risk is highest for buildings with flat roofs and those with internal guttering until the snow has completely melted.


There is a high likelihood of damage to guttering and spouting as a result of the snow, and Mr Cruickshank urged people not to take risks trying to clear snow from roofs or gutters.