Share and Follow
Key Points
- Only return home after receiving official clearance, and take precautions against structural damage, electrical hazards, and unexpected wildlife.
- Document all damage before cleaning up to support insurance claims, and check for financial assistance from government programs.
- Dry out your home quickly to prevent mould, disinfect all surfaces, and wear protective gear when cleaning.
- Recovery takes time—seek mental health support if needed, rely on community connections, and offer help to those around you.
If you’ve been through a flood or storm, it’s natural to want life to return to normal as quickly as possible. But safety comes first.
Returning home safely
Upon arrival, conduct a visual inspection of your home’s structure before entering. Ensure that electricity and gas are turned off.
Entering your home safely
And keep an eye out for unexpected house guests. Birds, frogs, and insects may have sought shelter indoors. Snakes and bats should be removed by professionals.
Dry out your home quickly to prevent mould, disinfect all surfaces, and wear protective gear when cleaning. Credit: Glenn Hunt/Getty Images
Insurance and financial support
Cleaning up: Act quickly
Prioritising Health and Wellbeing
You can assist others by volunteering with local organisations or donating to relief efforts like the Red Cross. Credit: Dan Peled/Getty Images
Erin Pelly, Red Cross Australia’s national manager for recovery and emergency services, says recovery takes time:
The Power of Community
“We had a Facebook group of Ocean Shores that would tell each others what happened on the streets, who had water, who had Internet, who didn’t, if anybody needed stuff for their children or milk. Or if anybody was going anywhere, what tree had fallen down, and people would take pictures. It was kind of a continuous little connection,” she says.
In addition to your protective clothing, wear a respirator if you’re using strong chemicals or cleaning up mould. Credit: Dan Peled/Getty Images
How you can help
“Knowing that someone cares, knowing that someone listens to what you’re going through and helps you come to terms with what has happened is so important for people. It doesn’t have to be donating stuff or donating money, but really sharing your heart with someone and your ear and listening to their concerns,” Erin Pelly says.
