Stay informed and stay safe – the immediate impact of the event may have passed, but there could still be dangers present. Continue to check for updates, follow official advice, and monitor weather warnings. Severe weather can be unpredictable, and the situation could change quickly.
Impacts of Disaster
Disasters can have a wide range of impacts which can affect us in different ways. Some things that could happen after a disaster:
- Damage to your home and property
- Road closures
- Loss of power/telecommunication services
- Interruption to water supply
- Displaced pets, livestock and wild animals
- Limited access to essential services
- Loss of income
What should I do?
Do not risk your safety or the safety of others. Be aware of potential hazards and do not attempt to commence cleaning up or assisting others unless the situation is safe.
- If it’s flooded, forget it – do not drive or walk through flood waters.
- If you have evacuated, monitor updates from emergency services and do not return to your property until it is deemed safe to do so.
- Be aware of public health risks that may arise in the aftermath of a disaster, such as contaminated water supplies, food safety and air quality including exposure to mould and asbestos.
- Check on your neighbours if it is safe to do so
- If it is safe to do so, check your home for any damage. If flood water has entered your home, avoid using electricity or turning on electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a competent person.
- If you have insurance, photograph/video any damage to your property and belongings prior to commencing clean up – this may assist with insurance claims.
Where can I get help
- In a life-threatening situation – call 000
- SES – Assistance with flood and storm damage – 132 500
- Ergon Energy – report network faults – 132 296 or view current outages online
- Community Recovery Hotline – 1800 173 349
- Telstra – 13 22 00 or for assistance in other languages phone 1800 241 600
- Visit the Community Recovery Grants Portal to find and apply for available grants
- Visit Get Ready QLD for contact information for key services, advice on how to return home safely, cleaning up, and what support you may be able to access after a disaster.
- Translated resources are available to assist you to find Disaster recovery information in your language. If you cannot find information in your language call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) to access interpretation and translation services.
- For businesses – visit the Business Queensland website for information on accessing support services and financial assistance after a disaster.
- Council has put together a list of local support services and grants which may be available following a disaster. Find more inofrmation here: Disaster Support for Mareeba Shire
