Recovery after a disaster is different for everyone.
Here are some tips on how you can begin the rebuilding process, and links to resources that can help you along the way.
Returning home
- Wait for the all-clear. Don't return until emergency services says it's safe.
- Dress for protection. If you think your house is affected, wear appropriate clothing including boots and a hard-wearing shirt and pants.
- Be aware of hazards. Depending on the disaster these could be hotspots and embers, snakes and spiders, fallen power lines, sagging ceilings and electrical faults.
- Be aware of contaminants. If you're home was flooded, wear protective equipment, do not expose broken skin or cuts to dirty water, mud or silt, and wash your hands regularly.
- Check before you switch on. Do not switch anything back on if there is any sign of structural damage This includes power, internet, water, gas and sewerage systems. You may need official safety checks (from council, power providers, utility companies etc)
Handling insurance
- The Insurance Hotline can help if you can't find your insurance details, on 1800 734 621.
- If your home is affected, take photos of any damage to your property, vehicles, livestock, equipment, and any damaged infrastructure like power poles in your area.
- Do not start repairing or moving things unless you must for safety purposes.
- If you can safely stop further damage from occurring, do so but take photos before and after for your insurer.
- Only use licensed or registered tradespeople.
- Write down details of injuries, illness, or any medical assistance you received.
- Takes note of periods that you were unable to work, as you may be able to claim insurance for loss of income.
Obtain three written quotes where possible for insurance purposes.
Useful services
National Emergency Management Agency
- Help for people affected by disasters
- Recover Connect service to link you to help available in your area
- Information on how to help and volunteer
- Lists of local recovery projects
- Australian Red Cross has provided a range of guidance for people who've experienced a disaster
- Practical help on returning home after a disaster
- A step-by-step list including contacting your insurer and cleaning up safely
- Advice for those suffering from short and long-term stress
- Listen to After the Disaster, a ABC podcast series about the phases of recovery
Payments from the Federal Government
- Information on disaster payments if you're in an affected area
- Payment and service finder
- Givit takes your donations and distributes them where they're needed
- Don't drop off physical donations unless you're asked to — the best way to help is by giving money
- These charities are registered and helping with disaster relief and recovery
- Donate money and not physical items, unless asked, or charities can become overwhelmed
- Check out ABC Gives or Disaster Relief Australia for more donation options
- Search and find opportunities to help out
Free help with flood and fire insurance
- The ins and outs of insurance, including important definitions
- How to avoid being underinsured
Making a disaster insurance claim
- A step-by-step guide to making an insurance claim
Free mental health support for families, individuals and emergency service workers
- Access to social workers
- Information on counselling or therapy sessions with mental health practitioners
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Mensline 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Legal help
- Insurance Law Service: 1300 663 464
- NSW: Disaster Response Hotline 1800 801 529
- NT: Darwin Community Legal Service: 1800 812 953
- VIC: Disaster Legal Help 1800 113 432
- TAS: Legal Aid 1300 366 611
- QLD: Disaster Legal Help 1300 527 700
- WA: Legal Aid 1300 650 579
- SA: Disaster Legal Help Line 1300 366 424
- ACT: Legal Aid 1300 654 314