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Advice about smoke exposure, where to get healthcare, mental wellbeing and general health advice relating to the fires is on our website. GP visits and pharmacy prescription fees will be free for fire-related GP appointments.
There's nothing worse than a soggy sammy. The trick to keeping kids interested in eating their lunch (and stopping yourself getting bored making it) is mixing it up with variations on a theme that you know they already love.
So instead of a plain ham and cheese sandwich on sliced bread, … View moreThere's nothing worse than a soggy sammy. The trick to keeping kids interested in eating their lunch (and stopping yourself getting bored making it) is mixing it up with variations on a theme that you know they already love.
So instead of a plain ham and cheese sandwich on sliced bread, try folding slices of ham and cheese into wedges of crunchy baguette or a soft bap. Save time and stress by using Mainland’s convenient sliced cheese – available in Edam, Tasty, Colby and Swiss to suit your family’s taste.
Head to mainland.co.nz for some quick and easy cheesy ideas.
Is Europe on your bucket list this year?
The team at Insight Vacations are pleased to make your 2019 adventures even more memorable with $100 off selected Europe journeys, exclusive to Neighbourly followers.
Travelling with Insight Vacations means you’ll always get to travel and stay in … View moreIs Europe on your bucket list this year?
The team at Insight Vacations are pleased to make your 2019 adventures even more memorable with $100 off selected Europe journeys, exclusive to Neighbourly followers.
Travelling with Insight Vacations means you’ll always get to travel and stay in style, enjoy small group camaraderie, and be immersed in the heart and soul of a destination and its people - like enjoying a Dine-at-Home experience with Nonna, in Alberobello, Italy.
Mention this ad to get $100 off select Europe trips.
Contact us on 0800 568 769 and visit our website to explore trips.
The greatest risk is to those in the path of the fire, who must follow the directions of emergency service representatives for their immediate safety.
For those closest to the fire, smoke from the fire may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. These symptoms should quickly pass after you … View moreThe greatest risk is to those in the path of the fire, who must follow the directions of emergency service representatives for their immediate safety.
For those closest to the fire, smoke from the fire may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. These symptoms should quickly pass after you remove yourself from the smoke, with no long-term consequences.
Advice for people with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other lung disease are at greatest risk from smoke inhalation. People with angina or other heart disease might also be at greater risk.
People with these conditions should avoid exposure to smoke if possible. If you have any of these conditions and you are being exposed to smoke you should:
* remain indoors
* close all the windows and doors
* turn off ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems that draw in air from outside until the plume has dispersed or moved away, and you can no longer smell smoke.
Most heat pumps will not bring air in from outside when in cooling mode. Check the user manual for more details. Heat pumps and ventilation systems with a HEPA filter can be left on, as the filter will remove most smoke particles.
If you start to develop symptoms, use the medicines prescribed to you by your doctor.
If your symptoms worsen and do not respond to their usual measures, call your General Practice or Healthline 0800 611 116. If you experience breathlessness or chest pain, call 111.
Advice for everyone
In healthy people, most symptoms will disappear soon after the exposure to smoke has ended, without any long-term consequences.
People should avoid exercising outdoors while smoke is present.
Dust masks available from hardware stores will only screen out the largest smoke particles, so are unlikely to provide much protection.
If you are on a roof water supply and a lot of ash is falling on your roof, it might be best to disconnect the pipe to the tank, and only reconnect it after the next heavy rain (discarding the ‘first flush’), to avoid getting ash in your water supply.
Please follow the instructions of the emergency service representatives, and keep up to date via the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website and Facebook pages (links below). Turn on a radio and keep it tuned to news of the fire, or keep a news live feed open on your computer.
Please look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly, those in ill-health, and those who live alone.
If you can, get a break away from the smoke by relocating to an area unaffected by the smoke plume.
Stress and anxiety
Anxiety is very common during an emergency event such as an uncontrolled fire. This is a normal response to a very stressful situation. Talking to people and helping others can be both therapeutic and useful.
If you need further support for yourself or for others, call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Anyone who has immediate concerns for their safety should call 111.
The road that winds through New Zealand's largest farm will close to the public from Sunday due to "extreme" fire risk.
The Acheron Rd, through the South Island's Molesworth Station, will shut down a month early after a hot, dry summer left it with a large amount of tinder … View moreThe road that winds through New Zealand's largest farm will close to the public from Sunday due to "extreme" fire risk.
The Acheron Rd, through the South Island's Molesworth Station, will shut down a month early after a hot, dry summer left it with a large amount of tinder dry growth. Read more
The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has issued updated health advice for people exposed to the smoke plume arising from the Pigeon Valley forest fires in the Tasman district. People with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other lung disease are at greatest risk from smoke inhalation. People … View moreThe Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has issued updated health advice for people exposed to the smoke plume arising from the Pigeon Valley forest fires in the Tasman district. People with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other lung disease are at greatest risk from smoke inhalation. People with angina or other heart disease might also be at greater risk. Please read the health advice online here:
The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has issued health advice for people exposed to the smoke plume arising from the Pigeon Valley forest fires in the Tasman district. Please read this online here:
Love is in the air this month! And no, we’re not just talking about the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and cheesy cards lining the aisles of stores... we’re talking about this month’s national campaign. February is all about finding ways to show your community a little extra love and care.
… View moreLove is in the air this month! And no, we’re not just talking about the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and cheesy cards lining the aisles of stores... we’re talking about this month’s national campaign. February is all about finding ways to show your community a little extra love and care.
Whether it’s organising a street clean up, helping a neighbour tidy up their property, putting together a working bee to paint a community mural, or installing a communal free kai pantry or library - there are so many ways to make our neighbourhoods that much more enjoyable for everyone.
Share your experiences with us by email or tag us online including the following hashtag:
#NSNZlovewhereyoulive
Have you had a near miss when you’re out cycling or walking? If you have we want to know about it. In an effort to improve road safety in our region, residents are asked to record any crashes or narrow escapes on the official Bike/Walk Crash or Near Miss Report Form on the Marlborough District … View moreHave you had a near miss when you’re out cycling or walking? If you have we want to know about it. In an effort to improve road safety in our region, residents are asked to record any crashes or narrow escapes on the official Bike/Walk Crash or Near Miss Report Form on the Marlborough District Council website.
Council Road Safety Coordinator Robyn Blackburn says we want people to use active transport to get to school but they need to feel safe doing so.
Tell us about your ‘near miss’ at www.marlborough.govt.nz and search for 'Near Miss'.
Has your bench or desk got more clutter than you’d like to admit? Create this handy desk organiser – not only does it look good but it will help to keep your clutter under control too! Choose your favourite Resene colour combinations to suit your room or create one as a colourful gift for … View moreHas your bench or desk got more clutter than you’d like to admit? Create this handy desk organiser – not only does it look good but it will help to keep your clutter under control too! Choose your favourite Resene colour combinations to suit your room or create one as a colourful gift for someone you know who could use a little colour. Make the most of your weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself .
New Zealand is preparing for a future free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We’re asking for New Zealanders’ views now, so we can take them into account right from the start of the process.
Key benefits we will be looking for include removing tariffs and other barriers that restrict… View moreNew Zealand is preparing for a future free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We’re asking for New Zealanders’ views now, so we can take them into account right from the start of the process.
Key benefits we will be looking for include removing tariffs and other barriers that restrict the flow of goods and services between our countries, and closer cooperation on progressive trade issues, including environmental protection.
Submissions are closing on 11 February, so to make your voice heard, just answer our quick poll question and share your thoughts now.
Hey neighbours,
All New Zealand police officers will receive new stab- and bullet-proof vests in a $20 million roll-out over the next three-and-a-half years.
The current vests - which were introduced in 2006 - are stab-proof, but special vests are worn by any officers involved in firearms … View moreHey neighbours,
All New Zealand police officers will receive new stab- and bullet-proof vests in a $20 million roll-out over the next three-and-a-half years.
The current vests - which were introduced in 2006 - are stab-proof, but special vests are worn by any officers involved in firearms call-outs.
They have passed their warranty, but remain "safe and fit for purpose", says Police Commissioner Mike Bush.
What do you think about the new armour? Are police officers safe using the current vests? Are you surprised the existing vests aren't stab- and bullet-proof?
To read more, click here.
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)
Yes you do! Our Triple Cheese Mini Muffins are the perfect snack – just the right size and shape for little hands.
Better still, they’re a snap to make, especially if you have ready-grated tasty and parmesan cheese from Mainland in the fridge.
For the more adventurous eaters, finish each… View moreYes you do! Our Triple Cheese Mini Muffins are the perfect snack – just the right size and shape for little hands.
Better still, they’re a snap to make, especially if you have ready-grated tasty and parmesan cheese from Mainland in the fridge.
For the more adventurous eaters, finish each muffin with a little wedge of Brie, Noble or Blue cheese. You might not be able to resist sneaking a couple for your own lunch!
The Alabama Rd and Weld St roundabout - one of Blenheim's worst for crashes - could soon see new safety improvements. What are your thoughts? Have you had a near miss on this roundabout?
With Children's Day just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you'll celebrate at school, in your community or even at work! Register your event on the Children's Day website before 15 February to receive a pack of giveaways for the tamariki at your event, … View moreWith Children's Day just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you'll celebrate at school, in your community or even at work! Register your event on the Children's Day website before 15 February to receive a pack of giveaways for the tamariki at your event, while stocks last.
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