Tough winter in store for Cantabrians

Winter is looking tough for Canterbury residents this year, with many people still homeless and others living in homes badly damaged by September and February's earthquakes.

Officials wanted to keep Cantabrians healthy and safe through winter and were working to restore heating to homes and make them weather tight, said Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority interim chief executive John Ombler today.

"We know the colder months can be challenging at the best of times, and for many people this winter will be much tougher and more testing with the damage so many homes have suffered," he said.

"A critical focus for us is people staying safe and well through winter, particularly those who are already vulnerable, such as the elderly or infirm and young children."

About 4500 priority heating repairs would be completed by mid May. About 4000 heating units, including wood burners and heat pumps, had been ordered, installed or repaired so far, with more than 1000 being ordered each week.

Anyone without a main form of heating or whose house was not weather tight should call 0800DAMAGE or email heating@eqr.co.nz, Mr Ombler said.

People should also consider a flu vaccination and see their doctor early if unwell, he said.

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