What to do after Tropical Cyclones and Very Heavy Storms
Immediately After the Storm
Stay inside until the storm has completely passed.
It is critically important that you do not attempt to have people working outside until the winds have calmed down significantly. Keep in mind, that unlike the start of the storm, there is now a ton of debris out there that can fly around a lot more easily.
Conduct an initial damage assessment of your immediate area.
When as safe as possible, look around your business’s premises immediate area to make sure there are no continuing hazards such as live power lines, gas leaks, etc. If a hazardous condition exists, leave that area immediately. Seek a safer location elsewhere. Know where shut-off places for electricity, natural gas and water are and turn them off if needed and safe to do so.
Stay somewhere safe, refrain from sight-seeing.
Even after the storm passes, there are many additional hazards that can harm you. Many people are injured or killed walking or driving around after the storm. Live power lines, gas leaks, dangling tree branches, flooding, damaged roadways and dangerous wildlife (e.g. snakes ) can be life-threatening. Do not go sight-seeing unnecessarily; the added traffic may prevent essential personnel for getting to people who need their help.
Stay tuned to local media and emergency officials.
This will be a critical time for information about ongoing threats, conditions, and sources of assistance. Continue to follow the advice of emergency officials during this time.
Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until notified.
Contamination of the water supply, particularly if you have an on-site water well or other on-site water source, is possible. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water if functional, until notified as safe to do so by officials. If there is low water pressure, refrain from using the water unless it is required and then for essential use only.
Help your neighbours but refrain from venturing too far.
Australians are very resilient and known for their willingness to help others after a disaster. Keep in mind that this may still be an extremely dangerous time. Refrain from venturing too far from your safe space until authorised by local officials.
However, if you are able and it is safe to do so, check in on your neighbouring businesses and lend assistance, if possible. Be careful to not exceed your knowledge, skills and abilities. Well-intentioned volunteers have been injured or killed conducting tasks they are not qualified to undertake.
Do not operate – gas/fuel-powered machinery indoors.
Carbon-monoxide poisoning sickens or kills numbers of people long after a storm has passed. This is often the result of using generators or other gas/fuel-powered equipment in poorly ventilated areas.
Stay out of flood waters.
Walking/driving in or through flood waters might seem like fun. However, many hidden dangers are present. There could be raw sewage, hazardous chemicals, bacteria, dangerous wildlife, and other underwater hazards that could severely injure or kill you such as deep holes or hidden currents.
In the Days Afterward
Be prepared for road closures and blockages.
Although state transport and roads officials have plans to clear major roadways quickly, it may still take some days to get most roads open. Secondary side streets may take even longer.
Be prepared for extended power outages.
The biggest trouble after tropical/heavy storms and cyclones is our beautiful tree canopy. Even a weak to moderate tropical storm can cause extensive trees and power lines to come down. Many areas were without power for over a week after the last heavy storms within the Lismore Area, and there is a strong likelihood that your area may be without power at various times after the storm has left this time around.
Practice food safety.
It is important to know that perishable foods that have not been adequately refrigerated can cause severe health problems. Refrigerated foods can keep for up to four hours. In your office or factory or home, discard any perishable refrigerated foods that have been without refrigeration for any length of time.
Contact your insurance company. Take lots of pictures.
Most major insurance companies will likely send representatives to your areas for claims. If not, attempt to contact your insurance company to start a claim as soon as possible. Take as many pictures of your personal, household and business damage as possible to help justify your claim.
Use only licensed professionals for repairs. Beware of scams.
Many people come out of the woodwork after a disaster trying to make a quick buck. Be sure to use only licensed contractors.
Beware of contractors going door-to-door looking for work and ask to be paid up-front for a substantial deposit or even the full amount, or request to be paid in cash. Obtain at least three written estimates, as required by most insurance companies.
Be safe when cleaning up and making small repairs.
Always use proper and ASNZ approved safety equipment such as heavy gloves, safety goggles, heavy boots, long-sleeve shirts and long pants when cleaning up debris or making small repairs. Tie back long hair. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Lift with your legs, not your back.
If you can't tell what it is, do not touch it. Assume all downed wires are live electrical wires until proven otherwise. Use the right tools for the job and do not be tempted to use anything that you do not know how to safely operate. Follow manufacturer's instructions on all equipment.
Stay healthy and safe cleaning up after the storm.
The biggest thing, from a personal health point of view, you need to do after the storm has passed is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of non-sugary, non-caffeinated, and non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day, and especially when working in the heat. Rest and take breaks when needed.
Ask for help when the task it too big for you to handle on your own. Beware of raw sewage, standing flood waters, insects and wildlife. Use insect repellent. Wash your hands often and use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Use caution with cleaning chemicals; never mix bleach with ammonia.
Properly dispose of damaged or destroyed property or debris.
Check with local Councils for cleanup instructions before disposing of debris.
Prevent mould and mildew growth.
First step is to prevent things from getting even wetter; cover openings and prevent leaks. Eliminate puddles of standing water. Tear out any carpet and padding that was significantly saturated. If water soaked up into drywall, you may need to have a professional cut part of it out and have it replaced. Get the air moving with fans. Allow as much sunlight in as possible. Turn up the air conditioning if power available. Dry all wet clothing. Dispose of any furniture or items with "stuffing" that got wet inside or porous surfaces that cannot be completely cleaned or dried out (e.g. bean bags, couches, and mattresses). Harder materials such as glass, plastic and metal can be cleaned and disinfected.
Getting Back to Business
Everything might not be clean, repaired or "normal" when you do reopen.
Naturally, your goal is to resume business operations as soon as it is safe to do so. This does not mean that everything will be completely cleaned up, repaired, or restored to pre-storm conditions when your business reopens. You may have to fence off areas or parts of your buildings closed off or designated inaccessible areas, and/or limited services.
Do not take undue risks in your hurry to reopen.
Document! Document! Document!
Did we forget to say: Document? We cannot stress enough how documenting every minor detail, whether in writing or by photograph, of any storm-related damages.
Place it on your BizPort Portal so that, when you need to prove every little nuance when it comes to insurance claims or any worker suffering an injury or mental anguish you will have documented proof. Include: before and after photos, timesheets, purchase receipts, logs of how long each piece of equipment was used for, etc.
