Media advisory: Public information update Sunday 6 March 2011 2.30pm

Issued: Sunday 6 March 2011

Colour coded placards on properties

As property owners begin to return to their buildings within the CBD, they will find either a green, yellow or red placard placed on their property. The following is a reminder of what each placard represents.

Green Placards

• Buildings are considered safe to enter and appear to be in much the same structural condition as prior to the earthquake.

• Building may need further inspection or repairs.

• Building owners are encouraged to obtain a detailed structural assessment of the building as soon as possible and report any unsafe conditions to Christchurch City Council.

Yellow Placards

• Buildings are considered either suitable for restricted access until issues are resolved or use may be possible in those parts of the building that have not been damaged.

• Entry only for short periods of time supervised by your/or another engineer.

Red Placards

• Buildings are considered unsafe to enter

• Detailed Engineering Evaluation required before building use canbe reviewed.

If you are a residential building owner and your building has a red or yellow placard, we advise you to contact EQC for advice. They should advise you engage a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer (http://www.ipenz.co.nz/) or a registered builder. You should not enter your building without them.

If your building has a green placard you can enter the building, but we encourage you to obtain a detailed structural assessment. If you have any concerns, leave the building and contact EQC for advice, prior to engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer.

If you are a commercial building owner and your building has a red or yellow placard, engage a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer. You should not enter your building without them. If your building has a green placard you can enter the building, but we encourage you to obtain a detailed structural assessment. If you have any concerns leave the building and contact a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer for advice (http://www.ipenz.co.nz/).

In some suburbs building occupiers may find a black and white sheet. Where a red placard has not been placed, it is considered safe to enter. However there may still be hazards associated with using this building. It is the owner’s responsibility to engage a relevant building professional to make a full assessment of the building and remove any potential hazards.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>