HELP AND ADVICE for extreme weather events

For emergencies, always call 111.

If you are registered you can do this via the 111 text line. Prepare ahead of emergencies Get Ready

Flood / Cyclone Gabrielle recovery grants for disabled people and family carers

If you have a disability or are a family carer you may be eligible for a grant of up to $1000. These grants are for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori or their households to access support for immediate and unexpected needs due to the recent North Island floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Please get in touch if you are struggling with flood-related pressures. The grants do not cover food which is supported by other programmes: call the MSD helpline for more info on these 0800 400 100.

Carers NZ are administering grants for those living in Northland or Auckland. Send your details to help@carers.net.nz and we can provide you with a simple application form.

CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty are administering grants for those living in Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawkes Bay, Waikato. For more info, please contact: CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty Incorporated – Phone: 0800 227 2255 or 07 578 0063 or bop@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz

Student Volunteer Army

Carers NZ is monitoring its email hotline if you need guidance or assistance. We have been working with the Student Volunteer Army and other community partners to give practical help. If you would like a visit from a volunteer, or need help with flood clean-up (home, garden, debris), or need other kinds of support, please visit sva.org.nz

Or you can use the form below to provide information to help us help you.

Accessible Information

• NZSL: Updates and information in NZSL are available on the Deaf Aotearoa website.
• Large print, audio and braille: available on the NEMA Auckland severe weather – What support is available and where can you get help page
• Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People has updates and info here.

If you are without electricity

If you are affected by a power outage:

1. Contact your power company and let them know

2. Contact your local civil defence centre for support

Road Closures

Info on road closures across the North Island.

Civil Defence updates

Check where your closest civil defence group is here. If you are in need of assistance, contact Civil Defence Support 0800 568 273.

Auckland: Auckland Emergency Management website and on the Auckland Emergency Management Facebook page.

Coromandel: Thames-Coromandel District Council and on the Thames-Coromandel District Council Facebook page.

Northland: Northland Civil Defence Facebook

Tairāwhiti: Gisborne District Council website and Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Facebook page

Bay of Plenty: Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Facebook page

Waikato: Waikato Regional Emergency Management website

Hawkes Bay: HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Facebook page

For help and advice, contact us on info@carers.net.nz and / or check facebook.com/carersnz.

News for affected parts of the country: Civil Defence NZ Civil Defence Facebook Civil Defence Twitter

Stay safe – see below for initial guidance.

• MSD helpline for those who need welfare assistance due to the flooding: 0800 400 100.
• If your life is at risk, don’t hesitate to phone 111. If you have difficulty hearing or talking on the phone, try the 111 TXT service to contact Fire, Ambulance or Police.
• Disabled people and whānau support: contact Whakarongorau Aotearoa, New Zealand Telehealth Services on 0800 111 213, Text 8988. Or access using the New Zealand Relay Service.
• For extra assistance for the people you support, contact your local NASC or the Whaikaha contact centre: 0800 566 601 or text 4206 or contact@whaikaha.govt.nz

Insurance

For advice on home insurance claims due to an event, contact Residential Advisory Service (RAS) info@advisory.org.nz or ring 0800 777 299, 03 379 7027.

Tenancy information

www.tenancy.govt.nz or 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

Wellbeing

• Call your general practice, after-hours GP practice or Healthline on 0800 611 116
• Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor
• Some tips for talking to your children here
• In an emergency, always call 111.

TO KEEP AN EYE on extreme weather events, go to Weather Watch.

What you need to have ready in a 3-day emergency kit.

Help Us Help You – complete and send this form