The aftermath of a flood or cyclone can be overwhelming. Whether it’s your first experience with a natural disaster or you’ve lived it all before, stepping back into a damaged home is never easy.
While the urge to rush in and start cleaning up might be strong, acting too quickly or without the right precautions has the potential to put you at serious risk of injury or infection.1 The key to tackling recovery calmly and effectively is prioritising safety, following official advice, and pacing yourself.2
“Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint,” says Geoff Evans, Co-founder and former CEO of Disaster Relief Australia. “It can stretch for weeks, months, even years. There’s no need to rush back into a hazardous environment to clean up after a flood or storm.”
The immediate aftermath of severe weather
Floods and cyclones leave behind more than just debris. Roads are often cut off, the power may be out, and floodwaters can linger for days.3 After the 2022 flood in Lismore, in northern New South Wales, many homes were left with structural damage and at risk of collapse.4
For apartment dwellers, damage to basement car parks, lifts and power systems can mean weeks of disruption even if their unit itself is untouched.5
“After a major flood or storm, it’s likely that powerlines are down, which poses an obvious risk,” says Geoff. “But people still get injured or killed by touching fallen lines or trying to restore power themselves. The first step is always to deal with hazards, not rush into the clean-up.”
Knowing what to do – and what not to do – when it’s time to clean up after a flood or other severe weather event can be the difference between a safe recovery and one that could put you at further risk.
DO wait for the all-clear
- If you evacuated in response to an official instruction or an agreed trigger in your severe weather emergency plan, only return home when emergency services agencies such as the State Emergency Service (SES), or your local council, say it is safe to do so.2
- Check official apps and websites such as VicEmergency or Queensland’s local government disaster dashboards for updates on your area before going back. The National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Respond website lists relevant resources for every state and territory.
- Keep an eye on local weather warnings.6 “Even if the water has receded, secondary flooding can occur,” says Geoff. “In Coraki (in northern NSW) in 2022, people were cut off again when the town re-flooded just as they were cleaning up.”
DON’T go near powerlines or use wet appliances
- Stay well away from downed powerlines – always assume they are live. Report any fallen powerlines to your energy provider, or call 000 in an emergency.7
- Never be tempted to use an appliance that has been in floodwater – it may still be dangerous even if it looks dry.8
- Only turn your power on at your home’s main electrical switchboard if water has not entered the property. If water has entered your property, do not switch the power back on until your home has been checked by a licensed electrician.9
“The best thing to do if you’ve had powerlines down or flooding, is wait,” says Geoff. “Only reconnect once power is restored and your home has been inspected by an electrician.”
DO protect yourself with the right gear
Clean-up after a flood isn’t like ordinary housework. Floodwater hazards can range from sharp debris to contaminated sludge, says Geoff, so it’s important to wear protective clothing.
Safety steps he advises include:
- Wearing heavy-duty, waterproof boots, thick gloves, long sleeves and pants
- Using safety goggles and a mask, especially when cleaning with strong chemicals
- Disinfecting any cuts quickly and covering them with a waterproof dressing.
DON’T assume floodwater is safe
Even once the flow has slowed, floodwater can be full of hazards.
“I’ve seen everything from snakes to household debris,” says Geoff. “There’ll be chemicals, bacteria, viruses – it’s an extremely hazardous environment.”
Key risks include:
- Gastro and skin infections from bacteria
- Cuts and puncture wounds becoming infected10
- Physical injury caused by sharp objects in murky water
Healthdirect Australia warns to avoid wading through floodwater and to practise strict hygiene – wash hands with soap and clean water after contact with floodwater and/or mud.11
“The safest option is to wait until water has fully receded before you start moving around your home and surrounding areas,” says Geoff.
DO ventilate and dry out your home as soon as you can
Once it’s safe to enter, focus on drying out your home to reduce mould growth:12
- Open windows and doors for airflow
- Use fans and dehumidifiers if power has been safely restored
- Remove soaked carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture12
Mould can begin to grow within half an hour and become visible in around four to six days so, if it’s safe to do so, it’s important to act quickly.13
The Insurance Council of Australia recommends homeowners take photos and make a list of any water-damaged items, including brand, make and model if possible, before getting rid of them to support any insurance claims you might wish to make.14
DON’T use generators indoors
Generators can be useful during power outages – but only if used correctly.
- Always run them outdoors in well-ventilated areas.15
- Never place them in garages or enclosed spaces.15
- Never connect them into a wall socket or switchboard – use a heavy-duty extension cord in good condition15
- Keep fuel stored safely away from ignition sources.15
“Don’t use generators or any type of combustion engine or open flame indoors – carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous and can be fatal,” says Geoff.
DO know where to get help
Recovering from a flood or storm can be a challenging and overwhelming process but there’s plenty of support available to help you get back on your feet, including financial assistance, help with clean-up, and mental health support:
- Federal and state disaster assistance grants. Check Services Australia and state and territory government websites for details of available funding through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).16
- Local council clean-up programs. After a natural disaster such as a cyclone, flood or storm, many local councils provide kerbside waste collection or hazardous materials drop-off. Check with your local council for details.2
- Volunteer groups. Organisations such as Disaster Relief Australia coordinate trained volunteers who assist with flood and cyclone recovery.17
For mental health support, contact:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team in your state or territory18
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
If you decide to lodge an insurance claim, it’s a good idea to contact your insurer as soon as possible to seek guidance on the claims process. Any unauthorised work, including emergency repairs, may not be covered by your policy, so it’s important to speak to your insurer before starting your clean-up.
Safe recovery starts with small steps
The clean-up after a flood or cyclone can feel daunting – but by prioritising safety, taking measured steps and seeking support, recovery is achievable.
“The little things – waiting for the all-clear, wearing the right personal protective equipment, knowing what to avoid – could be the difference between a safe recovery and another disaster,” says Geoff.
For more expert tips to help you get ready for severe weather, visit our you.prepared emergency content hub.
The content in this article has been prepared based on current government and emergency services guidelines and expert advice provided at the time of publishing. This information is subject to change. Please be sure to check for the latest information and always consider your personal circumstances regarding home safety preparedness and response.
Where you have increased your Youi insurance cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions are met. Refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full T&Cs.
1 Source: SA Government – Staying safe and healthy during and after a flood
2 Source: Australian Red Cross – Cleaning up after a disaster
3 Source: Australian Climate Service – Hazards - Floods
4 Source: Lismore City Council – Lismore Flooding Impacts & Recovery Statement, July 2022
5 Source: Brisbane Sustainability Agency – Flood resilience for apartments
6 Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Flash flooding
7 Source: NSW Government – Flood clean-up assistance and advice
8 Source: Essential Energy – Flood Safety
9 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Energy safety during floods
10 Source: WorkSafe Qld – Infection risks from flood recovery and response work
11 Source: Healthdirect – Health risks after a cyclone or flood
12 Source: WA Department of Health – In and around your home after cyclones, floods and other disasters
13 Source: ABC News – After heavy rainfall and flooding, when can people expect mould to appear in their homes?, April 2024
14 Source: Insurance Council of Australia – What to do when you return to your property after flood
15 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Using a generator safely
16 Source: Services Australia – Understanding government disaster support
17 Source: Disaster Relief Australia – Relief Operations
18 Source: Healthdirect – Mental health crisis support
