Returning to your home after an emergency event

CAUTION:

• If your house has water in it, and the power is still on, please leave your house immediately and contact Network Tasman as there is a serious risk of electrocution.
• All flood water should be treated as contaminated, as flood waters may be polluted with sewage so all items in contact with flood water should be treated with caution. 

It is important that you conduct a self assessment of the damage to your property, we would encourage you to take photos as evidence if an insurance claim is required:

• Your property may need to be checked that the electrical and gas supplies are safe to operate.
• Check for cracking around your property, if you observe any issues please contact your relevant Council (03 543 8400).  If you have concerns for your safety you should self evacuate.
• Check for structural damage - has the house moved? Look for:
  • Buckled floors
  • New cracks in walls 
  • Out of shape door frames.
• Don’t remove any wall linings or solid floor coverings yourself as they could contain asbestos.
• Clear out everything that is wet.
• Get rid of any water or mud left behind

Repairs and redecorating should be carried out only when the structure of the house is dry enough. Do not rush this work. Wait until the house is fit to live in and thoroughly dry.

Please ensure:

1. That the electrical supply authority has checked that electrical installation is safe. 

2. That building or infrastructure inspectors from your Council have checked the sewerage system and the water supply.  You will only be allowed to return to your house when clearance has been received from Council.

3. If you have gas at your property, that the gas supply has been checked by an authorised technician.

• If your house has water in it, and the power is still on, please leave your house immediately and contact Network Tasman as there is a serious risk of electrocution.
• Check for cracking around your property, if you observe any issues please contact your relevant Council (Nelson City Council – 03 546 0200 or Tasman District Council– (03) 543 8400).  If you have concerns for your safety you should self evacuate.
• Check for structural damage - has the house moved? Look for:
  • Buckled floors
  • New cracks in walls 
  • Out of shape door frames.
• Don’t remove any wall linings or solid floor coverings yourself as they could contain asbestos.
• Clear out everything that is wet.
• Get rid of any water or mud left behind.
• Do things to encourage quick and thorough drying. Quick drying is important. Don’t be afraid to cut out material – it can be repaired.
• Repairs and redecorating should be carried out only when the structure of the house is dry enough. Do not rush this work. Wait until the house is fit to live in and thoroughly dry.