WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER AN EMERGENCY?
Experiencing an emergency can be traumatic and exhausting; it’s normal to feel unsettled for a while. Returning to normal life may feel far off, but there are a number of things you can do and people you can turn to for help.
who can help after an emergency?
There are professionals ready to help you through all aspects of recovery, from assisting with immediate food and shelter needs, to ensuring you get any necessary medical attention.
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (DFES)
DFES coordinates services for a range of natural disasters and emergency incidents threatening people and properties.
YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
In emergency situations your local Council provides advice to residents and businesses, including support available from other government agencies.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Department of Health connect the public to health services and information including safety and first aid, emergency contacts and health related news.
AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS
Red Cross volunteers support communities recovering from disasters. They assist with getting help, looking after yourself and copying after a crisis.
LIFELINE
Lifeline are on call to provide emotional and psychological support to those who are impacted my emergency situations.
YOUR INSURER
Contact your insurer to report loss or damage to your property and belongings. Also, check that your insurance contract covers cleaning or repair contractors.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR AFTER AN EMERGENCY
HOUSEHOLD CLEANUP
After a flood or storm, small things may be more challenging, such as disposing of waste, reviving spoiled furniture and belongings and dealing with dirt, mould and mildew.
Top Tips
- Before cleaning up, cover any open cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings.
- Remove all wet items such as floor coverings and bedding.
- Spray furniture with disinfectant and dry in sun.
- Take photographs and make a list for insurance claims.
View more household clean-up tips on the Healthy WA website.
RECOVERING FROM A FIRE
After receiving advice from emergency services that you can return home after a fire, you will want to start getting your home and property back in order as soon as possible.
Top Tips
- Stay alert and be aware of fallen trees, smouldering stumps and hot spots.
- Arrange for your utilities to be tested and repaired if needed.
- If you are insured, contact your insurer to see if you are covered for emergency accommodation if needed.
Alternatively visit HealthDirect for crisis accommodation contacts.
HAZARDS
When cleaning up after a cyclone, flood, fire or other disasters you need to be careful of asbestos, spilled poisons, chemicals and pesticides, mosquitos, snakes and rodents.
Top Tips
- Do not enter your property until you have been told it is safe.
- Wear protective shoes, gloves and clothes.
- Avoid stagnant water where mosquitos may breed.
- Call 000 if chemicals are spilled.
View more hazard safety tips on the Healthy WA website.
FOOD SAFETY
If you lost power during a flood, fire, cyclone or other emergency, the food in your fridge may go off after two hours.
Top Tips
- Throw perishable food out if hasn’t been refrigerated for two hours.
- Wash plates or utensils exposed to floodwater with hot soapy water.
- Check that your garden veggies/herbs aren’t contaminated before eating.
View more food safety tips on the Healthy WA website.
WATER SAFETY
Drinking water, water tanks and swimming pools can become polluted following a fire, flood or other emergency.
Top Tips
- Boil water before drinking or cooking.
- Drain or disinfect contaminated rainwater tanks.
- Empty or chlorinate swimming pools.
View more water safety tips on the Healthy WA website.
WASTEWATER
Wastewater after cyclones or floods may enter your septic tank and cause your toilet to block up and can cause pungent smells.
Top Tips
- Clean and disinfect anything contaminated.
- Call a professional to inspect and repair your system.
- Call a doctor if you experience any illness.
View more wastewater tips on the Healthy WA website.
