Undertake a quick visual outside assessment of the building, can just been from the street if it looks unsafe to enter the property or you notice there might be significantly damaged. Only enter the building if you are absolutely sure there is no structural damage or any other danger, i.e. electrical damage. Do not move anything or touch anything. If it is safe to do safe turn off the water at the street toby and the electricity at the switchboard or mains box outside. Take some photos. Then contact [email protected] or 03 260 7787 and let them know there has been damage. They will let you know what to do next.
Playcentre Aotearoa has engaged Cushman & Wakefield to assess all flood affected Playcentres, these inspections are happening without delay. Until this inspection happens, we ask you do not start any clean up that involves the handling of flood soiled items, i.e. lifting carpets, removing furniture or debris. We will let you know as soon as it is safe to start cleaning or doing anything else. We will also work with Cushman & Wakefield to get quotes for any works they identify and get these works completed on behalf of the Centres.
If you at all suspect that your building’s structure or electricals have been damaged, restrict access immediately and contact [email protected] or 03 260 7787, if it is safe to do so turn off the electricity and water.
If you have any damage, no matter how small, it is important you let [email protected] or 03 260 7787 know. We will then send you insurance forms to complete, we will also need you to take lots of photos of any damage, this includes photos of any items that need to be thrown out. Please return the photos and completed insurance forms to us as soon as possible. Please get all invoices related to the claim made out to Playcentre Aotearoa-your Playcentres name, i.e. Playcentre Aotearoa – Mornington Playcentre.
Floodwaters can carry a wide range of pollutants including micro-organisms (‘germs’, ‘bugs’) that can cause disease. Toxic chemicals may also be present. These pollutants originate from the ground surface, septic tanks, sewerage systems and industrial sites. They can contaminate food, furnishings, surfaces and any other articles that come into contact with floodwaters. All items that have been in contact with floodwater should be treated with caution. Personal hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of communicable disease following flood events.
Inside
Remember before you throw anything out, please take photos
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing, gloves, mask and long sleeves and pants is recommended, always wash your hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Empty everything out, anything that is wet needs to be thoroughly dried out, but if it has been contaminated or can’t be dried properly it need to be thrown out.
Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils and baby bottles and dummies as there is no way to safely clean them
Any appliances touched by water will need to be checked before being plugged back in.
All surfaces need to be cleaned with disinfectant and well rinsed with clean water to ward off flood-carried infections.
If mould is present on any item, it will need to be thrown away.
If you have power (and it’s safe to use), turn on your air conditioner, a dehumidifier, and/or every fan you own. Keep the windows closed if you have a dehumidifier and an air conditioner to help the air circulate inside and get rid of excess moisture. Keep your windows open if you have only fans, and if there is no power and weather permits, open all your windows and doors to create airflow. Get on a list with a company like Chem Dry or Jays to get the building dried commercially, or another option is hiring a commercial drier.
Outside
If the outdoor area has been contaminated with sewerage, lime can be applied to disinfect the area, regular garden lime can be obtained from a garden shop, Sprinkle lime onto the area so the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. After a day, use a hose or sprinkler to water the lime and residue into the soil. Let the area dry in the sun for a day before allowing access. If there is lime is still visible, water it until the white dust has gone. Allow access after a further 24 hours.
If the area is not grossly contaminated, then restrict access (especially by children and pets) and use careful hygiene (washing hands, take care with footwear) over the next few days as harmful bacteria and viruses reduce in number, especially if exposed to sunlight.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime.
If you are in Auckland skip bins have been delivered by the Auckland Council to a number of communities, if your community needs a skip bin for disposing of storm damaged material, please contact the Auckland Council 0800 22 22 00 to register the need in your area.
You are also able to book a skip privately and include this as part of your insurance claim, google will be able to give you companies that service your area.
Please get all invoices for this made out to Playcentre Aotearoa-your Playcentres name, i.e. Playcentre Aotearoa – Mornington Playcentre.
No, please do not let any Tamariki on site before or during clean up.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Property Team at [email protected] or 03 260 7787
The Ministry of Education has provided the following Emergency Response Checklist to help centres assess damage following an emergency or severe weather event.
