Cleaning up: Dust Advice
Flood waters have
deposited large quantities of silt around Hawke’s
Bay.
When the silt dries the surface layer can become
airborne when disturbed by wind, vehicles or clean-up
activities.
Airborne dust can affect people’s health
and cause eye irritations, a cough, exacerbate asthma or
lead to other respiratory problems. Silt may also contain
other toxic substances.
If practical, remove silt
deposits as quickly as possible and take the following
precautions:
Foot and Skin Injuries
We have
had a number of reports of foot and skin injuries from
people standing on nails and/or debris when walking through
flood water and sludge.
Because flood water and sludge
contains nasty bugs, wounds can easily become infected which
can lead to serious illness like tetanus.
When
cleaning up in floodwater and sludge, remember
to:
Looking after yourself following a
disaster
The flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle has
greatly impacted our community and our staff.
It is
understandable to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused,
anxious and angry at the moment. It’s ok to not feel ok.
These symptoms almost always pass with time. It can help to
keep up usual routines, share your thoughts and feelings
with whānau and exercise if you can.
Tackle the jobs
that need to be done one bit at a time and count each small
success.
It’s time to ask for help if your sleep is
badly affected, you feel very distressed, irritable, on edge
or agitated much of the time, or you feel hopeless and want
to give up.
If you need to talk to someone,
counselling is available for free by calling/texting
1737.
Mental Health and Addiction Clinicians as well
as cultural support people are connecting with our civil
defence centres and some community hubs for people who
cannot access help via usual telephone
lines.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Bridget
Wilson
© Scoop Media