A large fire at the Ravensdown plant in Hornby has forced the closure of Main South Road between Carmen Road and Springs Road. More at Newsline: bit.ly/2E6WCRh

11:40 am Fire update: Fire and Emergency New Zealand is advising people who live or work near the Ravensdown building to keep their windows shut and avoid the smoke as best as possible.

1:10pm update: The Ravensdown fire is now contained. If you live near the area - stay indoors and close windows. Don’t use air conditioning or ventilation that will draw smoke into your home or car. Look out for your neighbours. For more info: bit.ly/2E6WCRh

3:10pm update: Main South Road has now re-opened following the fire at the Ravensdown building.

We certainly felt that! Hope everyone is OK. Follow National Emergency Management Agency for any updates.

Transport works for Te Kaha approved  newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/tra…

On a beautiful day like today it's hard to believe the weather will become wet and windy from tomorrow morning as Tropical Cyclone Gita comes through. Get prepared and see Newsline for all the up to date Christchurch and Banks Peninsula information. ^KO ccc.govt.nz/news-and-event…

It's your last chance to apply for the Neighbourhood Action Fund! Applications close this Sunday 4 March. x.com/CDEMCHCH/statu…

We've had quite a lot of interest in the Neighbourhood Action Fund and we know that some of you haven't had time to get your applications in yet, so here is your chance! Applications are now open until 19 March. x.com/CDEMCHCH/statu…

This Sunday, it's all about the kids! Come and visit us at Children's Day from 11am to 3pm on the corner of New Brighton Rd and Locksley Ave. bit.ly/2oBXmDF

Practise packing your getaway kit with us at Children’s Day in New Brighton! We’re next to the face painting tent.

"The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana" - Betty White. Old-school radios are great for staying informed in an emergency. Do you have a vintage radio you could use in an emergency? Don't forget to check the batteries!

Getting a gold star is great, but here is your opportunity to give that exceptional person in your community something more. The 2018 Community Service Awards are for those stars who make our communities better places to live. Nominate someone here: bit.ly/2pl6ux9

We were pleased to welcome the Minister of Civli Defence Emergency Management, Hon Kris Faafoi, to our Emergency Operations Centre this afternoon. Here he is with Mayor Lianne Dalziel and our CDEM team. A shout out to those in Hoon Hay - did you know this is where he grew up?

We want you to party! Knowing your neighbours is crucial in an emergency, as they are often the first ones you can turn to for support. It's easy, find out why: bit.ly/2IPDlBe

This llama says it all. Find out how you can keep your family safe: happens.nz

A huge congratulations to the Somerfield Community Emergency Response Team for officially opening their Community Emergency Hub last Friday night! Comment below if you are in the area and would like to volunteer with them in an emergency.

Come on down to the Defence Force and Emergency Service Expo happening at Eastgate this week. We will be there on Thursday 26 April from 12pm to 3pm, so come and talk to us about our work and how you can become involved!

Our thoughts go out to our neighbours across the Tasman after the Hobart floods last week. Does Christchurch have any preparedness or recovery tips learnt after last year's flooding? ab.co/2rIcgd6