000 if life is in danger or people are missing
Isolated and need food, fuel or medicine: NSW SES 132 500. Home unsafe, need somewhere to stay: Service NSW 13 77 88. Source: NSW Government, after a flood or storm
First hours
- Make sure you, your family, neighbours and pets are safe.
- Attend to injuries and distress; get medical help if needed.
- Let people know you're safe (Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite) and tell family you're OK.
- Check on neighbours.
- Find your ID and essential documents. Lost ones can be replaced for free.
- Lock up and secure your home if you can. Tenants: contact your landlord or property manager.
Before going back
- Wait for the all-clear. The SES advises when it's safe to return after an evacuation. Don't go back while the emergency is still active.
- Don't enter a damaged building unless authorities say it's safe.
- Keep listening to the radio. Expect a slow trip; avoid flooded roads and sharp debris.
- Stock up on food, water, medicines, a torch and batteries. Fill the fuel tank and take cash.
- Try not to take children or vulnerable people onto damaged properties. Don't stay long.
- Plan what to do and what to collect: ID, cards, medicines and scripts, insurance and legal papers, glasses or hearing aids, valuables, photos, keys. Check with your insurer before removing items.
Take with you
- Bottled water, food in an esky
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Torch
Wear
- Sturdy footwear and heavy-duty work gloves
- Disposable coveralls (long sleeves and trousers)
- P2/N95 mask
Afterwards: bag your gloves, coveralls and mask, wash your hands, clean your shoes. Source: NSW Government, returning home after a bushfire; NSW Health
Hazards at the property
- Fallen powerlines may be live. Keep at least 8 m away and call the SES on 132 500.
- Solar panels still make electricity even when the power is off at the switchboard.
- Turn electricity and gas off before going in. Shut off damaged utilities. Use a torch to inspect.
- Unstable walls, fallen or sharp objects, hot coals, damaged wires, sewage, leaking gas.
- Animals may be sheltering in buildings or furniture.
- Asbestos, treated-timber ash, dust, chemicals, medicines and gas bottles may be present.
- Slips, trips and falls.
Use a licensed builder or tradesperson for asbestos, unstable structures, wiring, plumbing, drainage, gas, air conditioners and solar panels. Source: NSW Government, returning home after a bushfire
After a flood
- Check windows, walls and roof for damage before going in; watch for asbestos.
- Electrics, power points, appliances or hot water systems that got wet must be checked by a qualified electrician before use.
- Gas appliances and bottles that were in floodwater must be checked before use.
- Wear boots and gloves to clean up.
- Never eat food that touched floodwater. Use only clean utensils and personal items.
- Have a supply of fresh drinking water.
After a bushfire
- Smoke can linger: wear a P2 mask and check air quality before you go.
- Rainwater may be contaminated by ash, debris, dead animals or fire retardant, especially if the tank or plumbing was damaged. If in doubt, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, ice, teeth and animals.
- Septic and other on-site wastewater systems may be damaged. Avoid sewage; get a licensed plumber to inspect.
- Throw out all food damaged by fire or heat, including cans and packaged food.
Food and water
- Flood: never eat food that touched floodwater.
- Fire: throw out all food affected by fire or heat, including cans.
- Rainwater tanks after a fire: use bottled water if you think the water is contaminated.
- Keep a supply of fresh drinking water.
Damage, insurance and money
- Photograph the damage and tell your insurer. Ask whether they can help straight away with essentials and accommodation.
- If the home is unliveable: secure it, tell local police it will be empty, call Service NSW 13 77 88.
- Notify power, phone, water, gas and your bank; redirect or hold mail with Australia Post.
- Keep receipts for repairs. Beware of repair scams. Get three written quotes and use licensed tradespeople.
- If your area is declared a disaster, government financial help may be available.
Feelings
A range of feelings after a crisis is normal, such as shock and disbelief, numbness, fear. Expressing them doesn't mean you are weak or out of control, and even intense feelings usually last only for limited periods. Your body may react too, sometimes months later. Look after your health, and reach out for support; it's often easier to talk to someone trained to listen who isn't involved. Source: Red Cross, returning home; NSW Government, after a flood or storm
Who to call
| Who | Number |
|---|---|
| Life in danger, people missing | 000 |
| NSW SES (isolated, fallen powerlines, flood or storm help) | 132 500 |
| Service NSW (temporary accommodation, disaster help) | 13 77 88 |
| healthdirect (nurse, 24/7) | 1800 022 222 |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 |
| 13YARN | 13 92 76 |
| NSW Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511 |
| NSW RFS information | 1800 679 737 |
| Power damage: Ausgrid / Endeavour / Essential | 131 388 131 003 132 080 |
| Solar panels made safe: Master Electricians Australia | 1300 889 198 |
| NDIS participants, priority support | 1800 800 110 |
| Housing NSW residents, 24/7 | 1800 422 322 |
| Pets and livestock: RSPCA NSW | 1300 278 358 |
| Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline | 1800 814 647 |
| Injured wildlife: WIRES, 24/7 | 1300 094 737 |
| Interpreter: TIS National | 131 450 |