Cleaning up
When cleaning up after a storm, consider your health and safety. Damaged buildings may contain hazardous material.
- Do not enter damaged or flooded buildings until authorities advise it is safe to do so.
- Wear strong boots, gloves, a face mask and protective clothing while cleaning up.
- Wash your hands and clothes regularly.
- Make sure you are using ladders safely.
Remember that electricity, gas and water supplies may be disrupted. If your property has been damaged, have all utilities checked and tested by a licenced technician before you use them.
The insurance process
If your property was damaged, the Insurance Council of Australia has information about:
- What to do if your property has been impacted by severe storm
- The insurance recovery and claims process.
You can also contact:
- A financial counsellor through the national debt helpline – 1800 007 007
- The Australian Financial Complaints Authority for independent dispute resolution for financial complaints
- Disaster Legal Help Victoria to speak to someone about your legal questions.
Health and wellbeing
If you’ve been affected by storms, it’s normal to feel worried or experience strong emotions and physical reactions right now.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can get support at a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub or Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. All support is free. You don’t need a referral from your doctor or a Medicare card.
On your first visit you will speak to mental health worker. This worker will ask you “How can we help?”. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call and ask for support without providing your personal details.
To book an in-person or telehealth appointment call 1300 375 330.
Supporting someone you know
Talking about events like storms and high winds can be tough, but it helps to let others know you’re there for them if they want to talk.
It’s OK if you don’t say the perfect thing – just listening without judging and giving the other person space to share can be really supportive.
Sometimes simply letting someone feel heard and understood can make a big difference.
Tips and advice
People can have varied reactions after a disaster. If you or someone you know is feeling strong emotions there is practical information and advice for:
- Helping yourself after a disaster
- Helping a friend or family member after a disaster
- Helping older adults after a disaster
- Supporting children after a disaster.
Advice for helping yourself after an emergency in languages other than English:
- Traditional Chinese
- Vietnamese
- Turkish
- Tamil
- Spanish
- Simplified Chinese
- Punjabi
- Nepali
- Hindi
- Farsi
- Dari
- Arabic
If you or a loved one needs extra support, there are services that can help:
- Reach out to family, friends or neighbours
- Contact your GP
- Your child and maternal health nurse
- Contact Lifeline on 131 114
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Road to Resilience podcast
Recovery looks different for everyone impacted by disaster. For some people, recovery is ongoing.
The Road to Resilience podcast encourages listeners to tune in on their recovery timeline – when they feel ready.
You can listen to the podcast on Soundcloud.