Returning home
General information to help you recover from a storm
After a severe storm:
- Check your home and property for damage.
- Keep clear of damaged buildings, power lines and trees.
- Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary.
If your property has been damaged
Before going onto your property consider the following:
- Gas or electricity supplies may be damaged – these may need to be confirmed safe by a qualified electrician.
- The structural integrity of your home may be affected and weakened– this needs to be declared safe by a qualified building surveyor.
- When cleaning up wear protective clothing (such as long pants and full sleeves) when returning home to your property. Make sure you also wear sturdy footwear and heavy-duty work gloves. Wash your hands after removing contaminated clothing and articles.
- Hazardous materials may include asbestos. Asbestos fibres can cause health problems if they are breathed in.
- Contact your local council’s environmental health officer for enquiries or concerns regarding the safe removal or disposal of asbestos.
For information on asbestos visit the Better Health Channel website:
Ladder safety
If you need to secure your property, check for storm damage, or make repairs, remember your own safety. Ladder falls can lead to serious injury or death, so avoid using ladders in stormy, windy or wet conditions when you or the ladder can slip or fall. Stay safe and call for help, or contact Victorian State Emergency Service Victoria on 132 500 for emergency flood or storm assistance.
Fallen Powerlines
If there are fallen powerlines stay more than 8-to-10 metres away. Standing near fallen powerlines can be fatal.
Always treat fallen powerlines as live even when they are broken.
Road closures
For detailed road closure information, check the VicTraffic smartphone app, go to traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au, or call VicRoads on 13 11 70.
Insurance
If you have property or contents insurance you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm or flood.
Ask your insurer for advice on actions you should take.
Do not discard or throw away damaged items without first consulting your insurance company
Make a list of items that have been damaged and take photographs if possible
Keep receipts for any emergency repair work
For assistance with insurance contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24 hour hotline). You can find information on lodging a claim following a disaster here: www.disasters.org.au.
For further details on insurance advice see Understand Insurance
Australian Red Cross resources
Visit the Australian Red Cross for information on:
Coping with a Major Personal Crisis
Cleaning up after and emergency - dealing with wind and water damage
Talking to children after an emergency factsheet
