Support and Information about Cyclone Gabrielle

Where and how to find support and information

The devastation brought by Cyclone Gabrielle has impacted our community significantly. People are demonstrating that by supporting one another we can ease the devastation that some of us are experiencing.

Please check Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management Group page for information:

https://www.hbemergency.govt.nz/

Asking for Help

111 if it’s an emergency and your life is in danger.
105 if you can make calls and need help

Mental Health – Challenging emotions are normal after a disaster

Experiencing and living with the aftermath of a cyclone and flooding event may result in some emotions, thoughts and behaviours that feel frightening, intense and confusing. This is a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances. Our bodies will react in a way that feels uncomfortable but is protective.

Normal reactions to traumatic events may feel unsettling and typically can leave one with the following difficulties:

feeling overwhelmed
feeling numb and detached
difficulties focusing
inability to plan ahead
constant tearfulness
intrusive memories or bad dreams related to the event
sleep disturbances
constant questioning – “What if I had done x, y or z, instead?”
‘replaying’ the event and inventing different outcomes in order to be prepared should it happen again.

Be open to the fact that a friend, loved one or work colleague may see these reactions in you, often when you do not.

They may see you are detached, unfocused, anxious, or tearful without provocation.
Listen to the opinions of people that you trust.
It is a sign of respect to friends and family to act on their advice and discuss these issues with a GP or mental health professional.

If you experience any of the following this may be more than a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances and you should seek professional help

a sense that your emotional and/or physical reactions are not normal
thoughts of self-harm or of ending your life
loss of hope or interest in the future
avoiding things that bring back memories of what happened to the point where you’re unable to carry out day-to-day tasks
frequently being easily startled e.g. jumping when a door slams, and then taking a long time to calm down
feeling overwhelming fear for no obvious reason
panic attack symptoms: increased heart rate, breathlessness, shakiness, dizziness and a sudden urge to go to the toilet
excessive guilt about things that were or weren’t said and done.

Dealing with the emotional impact of a disaster

spend time with people who care
give yourself time
find out about the impact of trauma and what to expect
try to keep some sort of routine going where possible e.g. eating, sleeping, work, study routines
when and where possible return to normal activities
talk about how you feel about what happened when you are ready
do things that help you relax
set realistic goals that keep you motivated, but don’t take on too much (most people in this situation talk of recovery as a journey not a sprint)
review and reward progress – notice even the small steps
be prepared for times when you feel you are making no progress, everyone experiences this
talk about the ups and downs of recovery with friends, family and the health professionals involved in your care
have a plan to maintain positive changes and plans to deal with times of stress or reminders of the trauma.
Talk to your GP or contact a mental health professional if you don’t feel you are making much progress a few months down the track

If you have power and internet coverage you may find these podcasts useful:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/search/results?utf8=✓&q=cyclone+Gabrielle+mental+health&commit=Search

Finding friends and family:

If you are looking for loved ones, you can log a request via this form: https://forms.police.govt.nz/person-inquired-for or contact police on 105.
If you are communicating with people who cannot call 111 themselves, please forward information about their circumstances and location to intelligence@hbemergency.govt.nz. Place the most critical information in the subject line to assist emergency services with triaging.
If you are willing and able to volunteer to help with the recovery, please register your details with manager@volunteeringhb.org.nz

Travel on our roads

Do not attempt to drive in flood-affected areas as it is unsafe to do so and bow waves can cause more damage.
Check the Waka Kotahi Journeys app or page for the latest information

https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/

Staying Healthy

Do your best to avoid contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters can contain sewage, toxic chemicals, and hidden debris. If you do come into contact with floodwaters clean yourself and any clothing/shoes thoroughly.
Remember to wash and dry your hands every time you use the toilet or handle human waste.
Use hand sanitiser whenever possible.

Water

The water in our taps is safe to drink and it is important to stay hydrated.
For other water needs, restrict your use – don’t rush to flush, limit showering, do the dishes by hand, and wash clothes by hand. Do not wash paving or driveways.
Do not hose silt into driveways. This will clog the stormwater and cause flooding even in minor rain.
More information can be found at: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/emergency-management/protecting-your-health-emergency/floods-and-health

Waste and Rubbish

All rubbish collections are cancelled this week.
Store all rubbish and recycling at your home. Do not leave it out on the street.
Limit the number of people handling waste – nominate one family member to manage the collection and disposal of waste.
Store spoiled food in a way that stops animals from accessing it. Cover all containers and holes to reduce smells and flies.

Power and Gas

Please treat all damaged and downed lines as live, and report faults and outages at www.unison.co.nz/outages or by phoning 0800 2 UNISON (0800 2 86476).
Power is still out across Napier and some other parts of Hawke’s Bay due to the flooding of the Redclyffe substation.
Transpower and Unison are attempting to bypass Redclyffe substation to allow power to be restored.
In Napier we need to be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time. Please be patient as crews work hard to restore power.
When you are reconnected to the network, conserve power to ensure there is enough for everyone. Look for every opportunity to save power: turn off air-conditioning, turn devices off at the wall rather than leaving on standby, reduce use of lights and high consumption devices.
LPG gas is in good supply and home deliveries will recommence once the roads are clear.

Access to Medical Services

Check the Facebook page for information about which Medical Centres and Pharmacies are Open

For general health advice, or if you’re just not sure where you need to go to seek help, call Healthline New Zealand on 0800 611 116.

Health services open:

Napier: The Doctors Napier (8am-9pm),
City Medical (for urgent care) 24/7

Hastings District: GPs operating as normal. Please check websites for opening hours or call ahead.

Please DO NOT go to the Emergency Department for medication or minor injuries

https://www.facebook.com/HawkesBayDHB

Animal Welfare

If you need to evacuate your home and can’t keep your pets with you, the Ministry for Primary Industries with animal charities HUHA and SPCA, have set up a temporary animal shelter for companion animals. You can take your animals to the Hawke’s Bay Racecourse at 300 Prospect Road, Hastings.

Access to Food

Supermarkets are up and running with generators.
More supplies will be arriving over the next few days to restock the shelves.
Only buy enough food for a few days to ensure there is enough to go around.
Buy long-life food that doesn’t need to go in the fridge or freezer.

Financial Support

Work and Income can provide financial support in the form of a civil defence payment.
You may qualify if you are in one of these situations because of the emergency:
– You had to leave your home (e.g. you’ve been evacuated or you’re on stand-by)
– You were away from your home at the time of the emergency and can’t return
– You need help with food, bedding or clothing
– You can’t go to work
You do not need to be receiving a benefit or income support from WINZ to be eligible for these payments.
Please go to the Work and Income website for more information or call on 0800 400 100 (call centre open 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday, and 8am-1pm Sunday).

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/emergencies/cyclone-gabrielle.html

Council Facilities

All council facilities will remain closed until further notice

Offering Help

If you are able to you can offer basic and immediate assistance to your neighbours and community.

Donations

If you wish to donate, please consider the following:

Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Fund https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/home/article/2671/hawkes-bay-disaster-relief-trust-re-activated?t=featured&s=1

Red Cross New Zealand Disaster Fund. https://www.redcross.org.nz/support-us/our-current-appeals/new-zealand-disaster-fund/

The Tumu Group Cyclone Relief Fund https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=4XjhUiHkek2WgP9gObxCl_yaK0FziStHpJJnNJ54LzJUOUdFNU5VODZOVlhEODk5RjM0TlNFOU9HTy4u

You can also find other places to donate here:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484422/cyclone-gabrielle-where-to-donate