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A damaged building is seen after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck 30km west of the city - Source: Getty Images -
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Many Christchurch city workers are being advised to stay home and secure their own properties rather than attempt to go to work today.
Workers and employers in Christchurch will be unsure this morning about whether to go work or to open up for business but Canterbury Chamber of Commere head Peter Townsend says the key message to the business community is all about personal safety.
He says the first step in this process is ensuring nobody is taking unnecessary risks in resuming their business activities.
"Cordoned off areas remain out of bounds. If you are working in the central city and you are not sure, ring your employer but I can tell you that right in the heart of the city, you will not be attending to your business today," Townsend told NZI Business this morning.
Townsend reminded Cantabrians that buildings that look okay on the outside can still be substantially damaged inside.
Employers do have a responsbility to ensure their buildings are safe before allowing their employees to return to work.
Business owners who are able to go to their workplaces are advised to take a camera along.
Townsend says recording the damage by taking photos and making notes of all the details should be the second priority after ensuring personal safety.
"It's going to be a day of assessment and cleaning up for those people that can access their businesses and there will be a lot that are unable to," he said.
He points out that cash flow issues are likely to affect businesses but says he hopes most of them have business interruption insurance.
"For those that are really stuck, let's hope the government comes to the party, they've indicated they want to help out... (But) don't underestimate the resilience of Christchurch businesses, we will get up and get going," Townsend said.
NZI Acting General Manager Jo Mason says firms should contact their insurance broker for advice in the first instance as private businesses fall outside the Earthquake Commission coverage.
