Work After a Flood - When you return to your home

When you return to your home:

£ Do not return to your home until floodwaters have receded and it is safe to do so

£ Don’t wade or drive through floodwater, as the current will sweep you away. Similarly, keep away from drains and culverts. If the vehicle becomes stranded in low water, leave the car via a window and get to high ground

£ If you have been displaced from your home, be aware that your pet may try to escape despite your best efforts. Ensure they are collared with ID tags, micro-chipped or both

£ Wear protective clothing e.g. gumboots/sturdy shoes and gloves, against hazards of the flood such as snakes, contaminated water, rusty nails. Be aware that the tops of gumboots will rub your shins raw, so it’s best to wear thick long socks or tuck your jeans into them

£ Don’t use any electrical equipment or power points until checked by the Power Authority in your area e.g. Energex. If issued with a S53 Form, for replacement of main power board, keep in a safe place

£ Contact a suitable electrician and have him check the main switchboard. He may well be able to make one power point available and leave the others disconnected. The power supplier (e.g. Energex) will call around and reconnect you to the mains. If they are not satisfied, they will replace the switchboard if needed.

£ The hot water system maintenance people can be called in. When satisfied, they will reconnect the hot water system.

£ Take ‘After’ photos for insurance and Flood Relief payments.  Ask others (e.g. friends) to document/photo all rooms and item for verification

£ Notify your insurance firm and request relevant documentation

£ If unable to return to work, call your workplace

£ If your workplace is flooded, call your superior to ask for arrangements

£ Advise your landlord/body corporate of any damage

£ Decide where to clean first

£ Decide what not to dump. This is crucial. You may know that certain things are salvageable but over-enthusiastic volunteers may not. Solid timber is washable. Lounge furniture can often be saved with expert help. Books can be resuscitated to some degree. For more detail please see the Section on Saving Flood Damaged Items.

£ Gather valuable things you were not able to save and put them in a roped off area before volunteers, arrive to help clean up. The reason for this is so that something doesn’t get tossed or lost by misguided best intentions

£ Call as many family and friends as you can muster to help you clean up. They should be appropriately attired and ask them to bring along shovels, stiff brooms, rags, bags, buckets, wheelbarrows, hoses and diesel pressure cleaners. Hats, insect repellent and sunscreen will also be needed

£ Ask volunteers to car pool when possible, as the roads will be clogged with cars

£ Ask someone flood-unaffected to be the food provider. Loads of sandwiches, sausages and thermos flasks of drinks will be well appreciated by the workers. An ‘Esky’ with ice for chilling drinks is also helpful. Workers must remember to stay hydrated