Post-flood advice and information

Mission Australia appreciates many of you in flood-affected will be bombarded by post-flood information. However, if you are having difficulty accessing information due to high demand, we hope the following advice is beneficial.

Health and safety

• The priority in flooded areas is opening roads and clearing debris so people can safely re-enter homes and businesses. Wait until transport routes are open before heading off of any journey.
• Be careful with electricity. Before cleaning, ensure gas and electricity is off. Get an electrician to clear your home of danger before using electrical equipment. To report fallen powerlines, call Energex on 13 19 62.
• Wear rubber gloves and water-resistant clothing, including gumboots, goggles or a face mask. Cover any open wounds before cleaning and watch out for snakes.
• Ventilate your home while cleaning. Also throw out food that may have come into contact with floodwaters or perishables spoiled due to power cuts.
• Queensland Urban Utilities has advised that water in Brisbane is safe to drink. However, floodwater is unsafe, being contaminated with chemicals and sewerage, so do not enter it. 

Waste collection and other services

• Brisbane City Council will provide industrial bins and a kerbside collection for damaged goods once floodwaters recede – locations and times to be advised. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au is a good resource but due to high demand currently displays as a low-bandwidth version.
• If you are in Brisbane, call Council on 3403 8888 to report issues outside your property such as fallen trees, potholes or road debris. For help with extensive damage call the SES on 132 500.
• For information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Updated information can also be found at www.qld.gov.au/floods/ or www.abc.net.au/emergency/flood/
• Insurance and banking:
• Do not be concerned if insurance documents have been lost or damaged in the flood. Insurance companies keep electronic records and only a name and address.
• Remove water and mud-damaged possessions. Carpets and soft furnishings can be disposed of as part of your clean-up. If possible, take photos or make an inventory of damaged items before removing. Contact your insurer before authorising repairs.
• Call 1300 728 228, The Insurance Council’s 24-hotline, if you have questions about insurance, including lost paperwork.
• Many banks have activated emergency relief measures for flood-affected customers, including the suspension of home loan repayments, waiving of fees and loan support.
  Commonwealth Bank customers call 13 22 21
  NAB Care customers can call 1800 701 599
  ANZ Customers can call 1800 149 549
  Westpac customers call 1800 067 497
  St George customers call 1300 769 578