Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Group - News

Swine flu steps to good health

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +1200

Dealing with the new flu

Influenza A, H1N1, swine flu

If flu strikes your household, there are some practical steps you can take to look after a patient and to keep your household as free as possible from germs.

How to recognize swine flu

Signs and symptoms of the new flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can include:

fever (a temperature of, or over, 38 °C)
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting.

Looking after babies and children

Care for a baby or child with the flu, in a separate, well aired room away from other members of the household.

If they have a temperature, give paracetamol in the dose recommended on the package, or ibuprofen (Nurofen) every four to six hours, unless your doctor says otherwise. Do not give medication containing aspirin to children under 14. Offer them cool fluids frequently, including water, fruit juice and milk.

Dress the child in lightweight clothing, and you can give lukewarm baths or showers. Don't give cold baths or showers, which can be unpleasant and distressing for a child, and does not lower body temperature. Use salt-water (saline) drops to treat a stuffy nose - these are available from your chemist. Sick children should be kept at home until they have recovered, unless you need to take them to the doctor.

When to call for help for your child

You should urgently seek medical or nursing attention when a baby or child has any of the following symptoms:

Breathing is fast or noisy, possibly with wheezing or grunting
Is working hard to breath - you can recognize this when the area below the ribs sucks inward (instead of expanding as normal) as baby breathes in
Lips or skin are purple or bluish, particularly the fingers and toes
Is limp (floppy) or unable to move
Is drowsy or difficult to wake
Is severely irritable, not wanting to be held
Has a seizure (convulsion/fit)
Is not drinking enough fluids, for instance nappies remain dry or there are fewer than four wet nappies in 24 hours
The child has been improving but then suddenly becomes worse

If you are pregnant

If you are pregnant you are at greater risk of complications from the swine flu, and need to be particularly watchful for signs and symptoms of the virus. This is because your immune system (how you protect yourself from infection) is different while a new baby is growing inside you. Your baby inside may also be at increased risk, due your response to infection, such as a high temperature.

Practical steps you can take to reduce your chances of exposure to influenza include:

washing and drying hands frequently (wash hands with soapy water for 15 seconds and dry with paper towel, or if you cannot do this, use a 65%-70% alcohol gel to clean your hands)
staying away from people who are sick
avoiding crowded places

If you have influenza symptoms you should call your GP or Healthline for advice and remember:

Both seasonal influenza and swine flu may make other medical problems worse
Don't take any antiviral medication without consulting your doctor
Treat any fever right away with paracetamol
Drink plenty of fluids.

Breastfeeding

Don't stop breastfeeding if you are ill, because breast milk protects babies by passing on antibodies, which help fight off infection. Limit formula feeds if you can. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have someone give it to your baby.

Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within two days), but they may also be given to very sick or high risk people (including pregnant women) even after 48 hours. While there is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, no serious side effects have been reported.

Looking after adults

If you have or develop an influenza-like illness you should stay home until you are well, and be sure to let a relative or friend know you are home. Rest in a room that is well aired and away from other members of the household. Here are steps you can take or help others take, to recover:

Be sure to drink enough water or other cold drinks

Take drugs that relieve pain and fever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Gargle with a glass of warm water and/or suck on sugarless hard sweets or lozenges for sore throats
Use saline drops, nasal spray or decongestants for soothing and clearing your nose
Clean your teeth regularly and keep your mouth clean and moist
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of them immediately in a sealed plastic bag, then the rubbish
Keep your bedding and nightwear clean and dry, shower or bath regularly, or use a cloth to wash with warm water and soap
Wash your hands often with soap and water or antiseptic rubs, and dry them well afterwards
If you don't feel like eating solid food, try light fluid-type nutritional snacks such as chicken soup, yoghurt, an ice block or jelly

Sick people should stay home and away from others until they recover, unless they need to go to the doctor.

If you are the caregiver

Be sure to take care to protect your own health, as you have an increased risk of becoming infected. Make sure you get enough rest, eat and drink regularly. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them well, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, including after you touch a sick person or handle their used tissues or laundry. Do not sleep in the same room as a sick person and spend the least amount of time possible in close contact with them.

When to call for help

Seek medical advice if you, or the person you are caring for starts to feel better, then gets worse, or has:

A persistent temperature of 38 degrees or more
Difficulty breathing, chest pain or shortness of breath
Coughing up bloody or green phlegm
Purple or blue skin around the lips and on fingertips or toes
Severe ear pain
Severe vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
Slow to respond, is unusually quiet, or becomes confused
Shows signs of dehydration, such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination
Seizures or convulsions.
Anyone who has other significant underlying health problems should also seek medical advice if they develop flu symptoms

Prevent flu spreading in your household

It's important to keep anyone in your household with the flu away from the rest of the family, in a separate room with the door closed. If possible, they should use a separate bathroom which should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant.

Sick people should stay home, unless they must go out for medical care, which will lessen the chance of spreading the virus to others. They should not have visitors other than caregivers, and if possible, only one person should take care of them. Don't share anything that may spread the flu.

Everyone in the household should frequently wash their hands with soap and water and dry them well, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing, or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household.

Tsunami in NZ unlikely from earthquake

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:17:00 +1300

Analysis of threat

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has assessed information with the assistance of scientific advisors. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.

Evaluation background

This analysis is based on New Zealand scientific advice and takes account of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) watch/warnings.

Next steps

This will be the final message via the National Warning System for this event unless the event parameters change significantly.

Issued by

Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Civil Defence thank Nelson Police and Agencies

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:18:00 +1300

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Controller, Jim Frater, today expressed his thanks to Police and other agencies for their assistance during yesterday’s tsunami alert. “The support from Nelson Police was excellent and we were pleased to have their back-up.”

From the early hours of Sunday, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence was in urgent contact with a range of agencies including Police, DOC, the Port, Marine Radio, the fishing companies and many others.

Frater says he also appreciated the cooperation of Weet Bix Tryathlon organisers, where the swim part of the event had to be cancelled.

“Although the impact of the tsunami in our region turned out to be modest, we had to exercise caution. Civil Defence worked closely with local and national agencies through the night. There were some challenging assessments to be made, but public safety was always paramount.”

Frater says most members of the public followed Cvil Defence advice but “It was a shame to see a few ignored the warnings and went to the beach or launched boats.”

Information provided to the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office shows the effects of the tsunami in the region were relatively light compared to other parts of New Zealand and arrived later than expected.

The tsunami was first apparent about 3.00 pm on Sunday when there was about a 50mm regular change in sea level as measured by gauges. The main movement was not felt until early this morning (Monday) when a change of about 150mm was recorded, particularly noticeable at the Little Kaiteriteri gauge operated by Tasman District Council.

Frater says the response to this tsunami went relatively smoothly and lessons from the Samoan tsunami were taken into account. However there are still things to be learned and a full debrief with agencies will be held.

regional item 1

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:18:00 +1200

regional item 1 updated

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 5

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:31:00 +1300

Tsunami advisory cancelled

Based on scientific assessment the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has decided to cancel the Tsunami Advisory in place over night. Sea level data indicate the peak of activity has passed. There will be ongoing sea level fluctuations and tidal effects for the rest of the day throughout the country. People are advised to continue to take caution in coastal areas.

Find out more about H1N1 flu

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +1200

Find out more about Influenza A (H1N1) at the Ministry of Health website.

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update 6

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:00 +1300

Please be advised of the latest information from the Ministry.

Cancellation of Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update six

Based on an assessment of the Tsunami activity experienced up to now, we can now cancel the Potential Threat Advisory. However the public should remain cautious of continuing strong currents for the rest of the day and early evening. Currents may be particulary strong between Hokitika and Karamea.

Change of advice on when to return to work or school after flu

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +1200

Change of Advice from Ministry of Health

Please note that we have changed the advice being given to people about when they can safely return to work or school after having flu.

The new advice

Stay away from work or school until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around 3 to 4 days after symptoms start, but may be up to a week.

(This replaces messages about staying away until 24 hours after symptoms have cleared or for 7 days, whichever is the longer.)

Information on flu signs and symptoms on the Ministry of Health website

National Health Co-ordination Centre
Ministry of Health

DDI: 04 816 3610
Fax: 04 816 3915

Ministry of Health website

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update 5

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +1300

Please be advised of the latest information from the Ministry.

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update Five

A Tsunami measuring 0.04 metres has been recorded near Vanuatu. The threat assessment for New Zealand however remains as previously indicated; it is not expected to be destructive for New Zealand however we still advise people on the West Coast from Northcape to Hokitika and on the East Coast from Northcape to Auckland to stay clear of beaches and out of the water as well as refrain from boating activities due to expected strong currents until a cancellation is issued. For other areas people should be vigilant around coastal areas.

The Pacfic Tsunami Warning Centre has upgraded New Zealand into a warning position in its latest bulletin (#2). This warning status does not apply to New Zealand. The official status for New Zealand remains National Advisory - Potential Threat.

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 4

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:12:00 +1300

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence authorities have welcomed the down grading of the national tsunami alert to an advisory status. This change steps down from the tsunami alert issued in the early hours of this morning following the huge earthquake in Chile.

But the public is advised to remain vigilant, out of the water and away from river mouths for the next six hours, (until 9pm tonight) as there is still potential for tidal surges and disturbed currents.

Regional Civil Defence Officer Roger Ball says the alert sounded shortly after 1am. “We swung into action at that time, contacting Police, Fire, Harbour Authorities, DOC, Marine radio, Council emergency responders and Hydrology staff to assess our risks. Once everyone was on board and the risks appraised, it was a waiting game until 7am when the size of the impact could be gauged through the wave heights at the Chathams and Pitt Island. The tsunami wave was of the size expected at one metre at the Chathams and 1.5 metre at Pitt. This confirmed that Nelson should prepare for a lower end event.”

Ball says their immediate concern was for beachgoers, those in low lying areas and boaties. Police were dispatched to all areas where people were likely to converge to be near the sea. Warning signs were erected at these points. Akerston Street, the Marina ramp, Tahunaui Beach, Saltwater creek, and Kaiteriteri beach all had warning signs erected. The gate to Rabbit Island remained closed until 12.30pm to ensure safety, while the threat appeared to have waned, but monitoring continued until national indications of an all clear.

“The tsunami wave was predicted at likely to be under one metre but the timing meant to wave would arrive around high tide, hence concerns for flooding and inundation of low lying areas. The floodgates were closed on Saltwater Creek as a precaution.”

Police worked close with the organisers of the annual Weet Bix Tryathlon, being held at Tahunanui Beach. An early decision was made to cancel the swimming leg of the event, but it was assessed as safe for the event to continue and 4000 people attended.

Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed says his staff resources were stretched as 15 – 20 officers were deployed to the alert response throughout the morning.

“We had officers at the key points around the region and generally had good cooperation from people when advising them to stay clear of the beaches. However I was really disappointed with some boaties who chose to ignore the warnings and launch their boats in the face of an escalating threat. This was foolhardy behaviour because it not only put them at risk but also could have further stretched emergency services if they had got into trouble.”

Roger Ball says there was relief in the camp when the alert did not develop into anything serious for the region. “While Tasman’s profile is low for this type of event, as compared to places like Gisborne or Banks Peninsula, it was still good to be put through our paces. Support was good from National Civil Defence staff with hourly teleconferences keeping us up to date as the scenario unfolded and we will be sitting down tomorrow for a debrief with all partners.”

H1N1 update-21

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +1200

Influenza A(H1N1)

NMDHB Media Release Update 21

26 June 2009

Nelson Marlborough has four new confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu), these indicate that community spread of the virus has occurred in the Top of the South.

This was not unexpected and what we have been preparing for. The virus has spread in some other parts of the country and sooner or later it was going to be detected here.

The people sick with influenza had swab tests done early in the week and four came through positive late yesterday (25/06). One person had recently travelled overseas but the other three had not.

One case was in Marlborough and three from Nelson. Two of those were students at Nelson Boys College. The Public Health Service had heard this week about a lot of influenza present in a number of schools around the region. In addition we have two probable cases who developed influenza after being household contacts of a sick person.

All the cases are recovering at home, two spent a brief period of time in hospital, one in Nelson and one in Wairau Hospital.

Now that the Novel Influenza is here, along with our seasonal influenza, it reinforces the need for preparation and good preventive measures. Preparation involves ensuring you have some basic supplies in the house such as, food and parecetemol and can link in with support from family and other networks.

Prevention involves good hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and not going out when ill, but phoning the doctor or Healthline if you are concerned at all about symptoms.

Most people recover at home with rest and simple treatment however if you are concerned it is important to phone your GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 or 0800 FLU INFO for advice and possible assessment.

Some people particularly, infants, pregnant women and those with other medical conditions can be at greater risk of complications from influenza.

To support the load on General Practice as the number of influenza cases increase the DHB is establishing community based assessment centres (CBACs) in Nelson and Blenheim. There are also assessment centres linked to the Golden Bay Medical Practice and the Murchison Health Centre.

These centres will be for people who are more ill with influenza and need assessment by a doctor or a nurse. Antiviral medication has a place for some people, particularly the more severely ill but will not be used for mild influenza.

It is not anticipated that there will be any closures of schools or public gatherings, but people are reminded to not go to social gatherings when ill as this aids spread of the virus.

— Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +1300

Please be advised of the latest information from the Ministry.

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update Four

The National Advisory- Potential Threat for New Zealand remains in force, and represents the official status for New Zealand. This is in spite of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, who has cancelled their warning for New Zealand.

The threat assessment as provided earlier remains. it is not expected to be destructive for New Zealand however we still advise people on the West Coast from Northcape to Hokitika and on the East Coast from Northcape to Auckland to stay clear of beaches and out of the water as well as refrain from boating activities due to expected strong currents until a cancellation is issued. For other areas people should be vigilant around coastal areas.

The official source of information is the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 3

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:11:00 +1300

The effects of the Tsunami from Chile that was expected to arrive in the Nelson Tasman area at approximately 10.30 am. today have so far been minimal and the tide is now going out.

However, there remains some risk of tidal surges and unpredictable currents. The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that people should not be in the water or on the beach.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management staff are continuing to monitor the situation and advise that until the all clear has been given, people in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

There is no requirement to evacuate homes close to coastal areas.

For further information and updates, go to www.civildefence.co.nz

No tsunami threat to NZ

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:30:00 +1300

No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand

There is no tsunami risk to New Zealand from the 7.0 earthquake that occurred near the Vanuatu Islands yesterday (8 Oct) at 21:29.

The Director of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, John Hamilton, said that the Ministry has received information about the earthquake from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii and GNS Science in New Zealand.

An assessment of the information by New Zealand tsunami experts confirms there is no tsunami risk to New Zealand

Atawhai fires test readiness

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:00:00 +1300

Tinder dry conditions and strong wind saw a bush fire spread quickly across the Atawhai hills on 3 February, consuming around 50 hectares of scrub and threatening nearby homes. While a fleet of helicopters and ground crews from the Rural Fire Service battled the blaze, police and local civil defence swung into action to assist those families forced to evacuate.

The fire was brought under control in time for most residents to return to their own homes that night, although two families with young children stayed overnight at the Honest Lawyer, who very generously offered the accommodation free of charge.

The whole experience begs the question - how ready were we?

The response to the order to evacuate was very good on the whole, according to Emergency Management Manager Jim Burrows. One family reported that although they didn’t already have a getaway kit prepared, they were given sufficient warning to have time to gather their photo albums and personal papers and to put the cat in his box ready for the “off”. When the call came to leave, they just put it all in the car and took off. Some residents even had time to organise the evacuation of classic cars and boats.

Jim says “It’s not always likely that people will have that time to prepare for evacuation so being as ready as you can be now really is vital. It’s just as simple as preparing a small bag and putting it in a cupboard so it’s ready should you ever need it. One good side effect is that you’ll always know where to go looking for those important family documents when you need them.”

Contact: Debbie de Geus, 546 9500

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Tsunami Alert Bulletin 2

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:43:00 +1300

The estimated arrival time in Nelson for the tsunami following the earthquake in Chile this morning has been revised to 1035.

Following the national Tsunami alert for New Zealand staff from civil defence were placed on alert at 1.30 am Sunday. Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management staff have been monitoring the situation overnight.

The advice from Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency management group is as follows.

The Tsunami from Chile is expected to arrive in the Nelson area at approximately 10.35 am, according to advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. This coincides with high tide at approximately 10.28 am in Nelson.

The height of the wave in Nelson Tasman is unknown, although Tasman Bay and Golden Bay are at a lower risk than other parts of New Zealand.

Civil Defence is monitoring the situation closely, working with local Police.

Until the risk has passed, people in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Do not go to the beach to watch the Tsunami.

There is no requirement to evacuate homes close to coastal areas.

We have been liaising closely with the organisers of the Weet Bix Tryathlon, taking place at Tahunanui Beach today. A decision has been taken that the swim part of the race should not go ahead but the rest of the event (run/cycle) will carry on as normal.

For further information and updates, go to www.civildefence.co.nz

H1N1 update-17

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:11:00 +1200

Influenza A(H1N1)

NMDHB Media Release Update 17

15 June 2009

Nelson Marlborough's first case of Influenza A(H1N1) was confirmed through laboratory testing yesterday (14/06).

The confirmed case was a traveller who had returned to the Tasman district from Australia. Two close contacts of the confirmed case had been quarantined and all were being followed up by the Public Health Service.

Currently Nelson Marlborough have one confirmed case, three suspect cases and 18 people in home quarantine or isolation.

Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Jill Sherwood said, "The Ministry of Health has refined advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand or close contacts with a probable or confirmed case. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu like symptoms within four days of travel are now considered to be suspect cases of influenza A (H1N1)."

She said initially the Ministry had advised that travellers who became sick within a fortnight should be treated as suspicious for influenza A(H1N1); this was subsequently changed to seven days and this has now been further modified to four days.

"If you are sick stay home from school or work; cover coughs and sneezes and thoroughly wash and dry hands. Individuals with flu like symptoms should look after themselves at home, but should seek medical advice if necessary, or if they have an international travel history by phone in the first instance said Dr Sherwood.

She said the importance of the "stay home if you are sick" message was that most people do not have immunity to this disease. Unlike with seasonal influenza, where some individuals are protected through vaccination or immunity from previous exposure, Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and the vast majority of people are expected to have no natural protection against it.

Potential tsunami threat update

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:51:00 +1300

Please be advised of the latest information from the Ministry.

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update

Tsunami Alert - Nelson - Bulletin 1

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:07:00 +1300

Following the national Tsunami alert for New Zealand, staff from civil defence were placed on alert at 1.30 am Sunday. A regional teleconference was held at 3.30 am to assess the implications of the alert for the Tasman Bay and Golden Bay area.

The advice from Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency management group is as follows.

The Tsunami from Chile is expected to arrive in the Nelson area at approximately 10.05 am, according to advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. This coincides with high tide at approximately 10.28 am in Nelson.
The height of the wave in Nelson Tasman is unknown, although Tasman Bay and Golden Bay are at a lower risk than other parts of New Zealand.
Civil Defence is monitoring the situation closely, working with local Police.

Do not go to the beach to watch the tsunami.

There is no requirement to evacuate homes close to coastal areas at this time.

We have been liaising closely with the organisers of the Weet-Bix Tryathlon, taking place at Tahunanui Beach today. A decision on this event will be taken as soon as possible

test blog entry from CMS editor

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:11:00 +1200

add new blog entry from CMS editor, not front end interface

Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Group - News

Swine flu steps to good health

Dealing with the new flu

Influenza A, H1N1, swine flu

How to recognize swine flu

Looking after babies and children

When to call for help for your child

If you are pregnant

Breastfeeding

Looking after adults

If you are the caregiver

When to call for help

Prevent flu spreading in your household

Tsunami in NZ unlikely from earthquake

Analysis of threat

Evaluation background

Next steps

Issued by

Civil Defence thank Nelson Police and Agencies

regional item 1

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 5

Find out more about H1N1 flu

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update 6

Cancellation of Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update six

Change of advice on when to return to work or school after flu

Change of Advice from Ministry of Health

The new advice

National Health Co-ordination CentreMinistry of Health

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update 5

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update Five

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 4

H1N1 update-21

Influenza A(H1N1)

NMDHB Media Release Update 21

26 June 2009

Potential Threat - Tsunami Update

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update Four

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 3

No tsunami threat to NZ

No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand

Atawhai fires test readiness

Tsunami Alert Bulletin 2

H1N1 update-17

Influenza A(H1N1)

NMDHB Media Release Update 17

15 June 2009

Potential tsunami threat update

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update

Tsunami Alert - Nelson - Bulletin 1

test blog entry from CMS editor

National Health Co-ordination Centre
Ministry of Health