Support after a flood or storm

After a flood or storm, you will need to check your building for structural damage, gas leaks, contaminated water, damaged septic tanks and more.

If there has been significant damage to your property, make sure a licensed electrician checks that it is safe to turn your power back on.

After a power outage, restoring power is usually the responsibility of your local electricity distribution company, who owns and maintains the poles and wires bringing power to your home.

Flooding, excess moisture and pooled water can cause mould growth in your home. This may be a health risk for you and your family.

When returning home after a flood, be aware of any visible mould or a musty smell. High mould levels are likely if the house has been flooded for more than two days.

To prevent mould growth, clean up and dry out the house as quickly as possible

The more extensive the contamination, the greater the risk of exposure during clean-up. Consider using professional cleaners if the affected area is large.

Seek advice

Seek advice from your insurance company before you start to clean-up, including the disposal of water or mould-damaged items.

If you are visiting your house to collect belongings, inspect for damage or to do basic clean-up over short periods remember to wear:

• sturdy waterproof footwear with rubber soles
• rubber or leather gloves
• a respirator if you are particularly sensitive to mould exposure

For more information, visit Better Health Channel: Mould and your health.

Counselling and support is available from:

• Lifeline phone 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue phone 1300 224 636
• Kids Helpline phone 1800 551 800
• SANE Australia phone 1800 187 26
• Family violence and provention support

Flood emergency plan

The Flood Emergency Plan is a sub-plan of the Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MHWP).

The aim of the Plan is to reduce the risk of harm caused by flood events within Mitchell Shire.

View the Mitchell Shire Flood Emergency Plan along with all other Emergency Management plans.

Following an emergency, especially floods, buildings can be contaminated with sewage, soil and other infectious matter. This can lead to stagnant water and potentially infectious and offensive conditions.

If your water, power, gas service or wastewater system was impacted by floods then there is a likelihood that your premises is contaminated and may require an assessment prior to re-opening.

Depending on the extent of damage to your business, we would encourage you to contact our Health Team to find out more about your requirements.

For the safety of yourself and the community, we recommend you read through the below information and links. If you have any questions, an officer can be made available to assist or undertake an assessment and ensure you are ready to re-open to the public.

• Properties destroyed or damaged in the floods can be cleared of hazards, and made safe, at no cost – thanks to joint funding from the Australian and Victorian Governments.

• The clean-up program will assess damage to structures and provide detailed assessment reports. This program also offers the option of demolition for eligible structures that are damaged beyond repair.
• For further information, please call the clean-up register on 1800 560 760

Disaster Legal Help provides legal information, advice and referrals for Victorians affected by disasters.

If you have been impacted by a disaster, you can seek advice or information about your insurance, centrelink payments, housing, family law or any other legal matters,
Disaster Legal Help Victoria can assist you.

For more information, go to Disaster Legal Help or phone 1800 113 432 available weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm.