Below is some information and contacts regarding the Canterbury earthquake. It covers making a claim with the EQC, welfare assistance, schools and education providers, information for landlords and tenants, and health warnings.

Main phone numbers

  • EQC 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243).
  • Government helpline 0800 779 997
  • Healthline  (24 Hours) 0800 611 116
  • Christchurch City Council  helpline  03 941 8999
  • Emergency services 111

Earthquake Commission (EQC)

The EQC 0800 number is being inundated with calls and it can be very hard to get through. It may be better to direct people to the online claim form. There is a three-month window to lodge a claim from the date that the damage occurred.

How to make a claim

  • Claims can be lodged with EQC by calling free on 0800 326 243 at any time.
  • Claims can also be lodged online at: https://cms.eqc.co.nz/claimcenter/cms/public/fnol.form
  • People have three months to lodge a claim from the time the event occurred.
  • When calling EQC, staff will ask you who you are insured with and for your idea of the extent of damage. Staff will then let you know whether someone will call to help with your claim, or whether you can go ahead and get the repair done. We will follow this up in writing.
  • If you are unsure about your insurance cover, please call us anyway and we will do all we can to check it for you.
  • For more information online on making a claim with EQC go to:

 http://www.eqc.govt.nz/insurance/householdersguide.aspx

 Am I covered by the Earthquake Commission?  

  • If you have current home and/or contents insurance, you also have the Earthquake Commission’s cover.
  • EQC covers damage to residential property caused by earthquake, landslip, tsunami, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, storm or flood (land only – not the property on it), fire following any of the above. (* Residential property is your home, its contents and the land immediately surrounding the dwelling (within limits).

What should I do about the mess & damage to my property?

  • If possible take photos before moving anything.
  • You can make temporary repairs for safety or to prevent further damage or discomfort.
  • You can get essential services like toilets and water systems repaired immediately but keep everything the repairer replaces (and keep a copy of the bill).
  • You can clean up spillages or crockery and glass breakages (but don’t throw anything not perishable away yet).
  • You can dispose of perishables like ruined or spilt food. (List the items as you bury, burn or dump them).

Social Development

The Ministry of Social Development is the lead agency providing emergency welfare, which includes HNZC. We don’t know the numbers of people displaced.  Estimated at around 2000 last night, although we suspect it may be higher.

  • General help line: 0800 779997

People calling the helpline can get information on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, clean-up and how to contact any other services people may need.

  • Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family staff will be operating out of all the Civil Defence welfare centres in Christchurch providing emergency assistance to people.
  • As soon as the Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family offices have been structurally assessed as safe, those premises will open.
  • All standard appointments for Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family in Christchurch sites for this week have been cancelled. 
  • Benefits and superannuation will continue to be paid to people regardless. 
  • The welfare centres are located at Linwood college, Burnside High School, Addington Raceway, Kaipoi Nth School.

Anyone requiring emergency financial assistance can phone the Work and Income contact centre 0800 559 009. 

Education providers

  • All schools in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts are closed to students until Wednesday 8 September.
  • It may be that other schools and boards decide to remain closed until they are satisfied that structures and sanitation are safe.
  • All licensed centre based ECE services in Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council areas are closed until the end of Tuesday 7 September 2010.
  • Canterbury University and Lincoln University are closed and are due to re-opening on Monday 13th September.
  • The Ministry of Education will make a further announcement later today about the possible ongoing closure of schools and ECE services.

Further updates are available at – www.minedu.govt.nz/CanterburyEarthquake

Landlords and tenants

If a rental property has been so seriously damaged as to be unsafe or uninhabitable, section 59 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 states that the rent stops and tenants can give 2 days notice to terminate the tenancy. The landlord can give 7 days notice to terminate the tenancy. 

If the premises are partially destroyed, or part of the premises are so seriously damaged as to be unsafe or uninhabitable then the rent stops accordingly and either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order terminating the tenancy.

Landlords or tenants with concerns can call 0800 TENANCY – 0800 83 62 62 for advice.

Health warnings

It’s important to heed public health messages over the next days and weeks including:

  • Boil water for three minutes before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.
  • Use as little water as possible to flush your toilet if you have water.
  • Remember hand washing stops diseases spreading. 
  • Look after each other – keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.
  • Avoid contact with sewage. Don’t gather fish or shellfish in the sea or from Canterbury rivers.
  • If you are unwell with a minor injury or illness and need medical assistance call your general practice or nearest after-hours surgery. Please keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only. If you need an ambulance call 111.


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Posted in Christchurch-East