In the aftermath of recent flooding, many households are facing significant challenges as they begin the process of returning home.
To support a safe and smooth recovery, it is important to follow key health and safety precautions. These steps help ensure that the home environment is secure, clean, and suitable for living.
Floodwaters can significantly affect and compromise electrical systems, it’s essential to approach electrical safety with caution.
- Do Not Reconnect Power: Floodwaters can damage electrical installations and wiring. Even after waters recede, mud and debris can conduct electricity, posing significant risks.
Where power hasn’t been lost but the structure has been inundated by flood water, call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 before turning the power on and arrange for an electrician to complete a safety check.
If you lost power, make sure all appliances (including cooktops) and switches are turned off before the power is reconnected. And as an extra safety measure, I would encourage you to remove any items from your cooktop.
- Cover all exposed electrical wiring: If you have removed internal wall linings due to flood damage, make sure that any exposed wiring is disconnected by a qualified electrician.
Alternatively, make sure you replace the internal linings before reconnecting power to your house.
- Avoid Contact with Electrical Appliances: Do not plug in or use any appliances that have been in flood water until they have been checked by an electrician. If you experience shocks or tingling sensations from any appliances, plumbing, or metal fixtures, stop using them at once and contact Essential Energy at 132 080 for guidance.
- Professional Inspection Required: Before restoring power, have a licensed electrician inspect your home's electrical system to ensure it is safe. Ensure any electrical work being undertaken is done by a qualified electrician.
Stay at least eight metres aware from fallen powerlines and damaged electricity equipment when moving about.
Take additional care with solar panels and stay well clear when returning back to your property, as solar panels can generate an electrical current regardless of whether or not the electricity has been turned off or disconnected.
When cleaning up, ensure everyone is aware of lowered powerlines and the existence of the electricity network.
Information on how to reconnect to the electricity network is available at essentialenergy.com.au/flood-reconnecting
Mould thrives in damp conditions and can pose serious health risks. It is important to minimise your exposure:
- Remove damaged Carpets and Rugs: Soft floor coverings that have been affected by water should be removed from your home and safely discarded for disposal as they are a source for mould to grow undetected.
- Health Implications: Exposure to mould can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health problems.
- Safe Cleaning Practices: When cleaning mould, wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and masks. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. Use appropriate cleaning agents and avoid mixing chemicals.
- Preventing Mould Growth: Dry out your home as soon as possible. Remove and discard porous materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
Flood conditions can lead to various health hazards:
- Water and Food Safety: Discard any food and drinking water that may have come into contact with floodwaters.
- Mosquito Control: Standing water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Empty and remove water-holding containers and ensure proper drainage is maintained around your property.
- Chemical Hazards: If you encounter flood-affected chemicals or unknown substances, contact your local fire brigade for assistance.
- Mental Health Support: Experiencing a flood can be traumatic. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, support is available from mental health services.
