Recovery

NSW SES will advise it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area. When returning to your property: 

• Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be especially cautious of potential contaminants including asbestos.
• Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside. Use a torch to carry out inspections inside building.
• If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
• Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use.
• Wear suitable protective clothing, including boots and gloves, when cleaning up.
• Be aware of any slip, trip or fall hazards.
• Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater and floodwaste.
• Only use clean utensils and personal items.
• Have a supply of fresh drinking water.
• Stay around your location. Sightseeing will hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk.
• Avoid fallen powerlines.
• Check to see if your neighbours need help.

There are a number of risks following a flood that you should be aware of when returning to your home it is therefore important to:

• Keep children away during the clean-up.
• Be aware of slip, trip or fall hazards.
• Use disinfectant when cleaning.
• Wash your hands before eating or drinking.
• Disinfect any cuts quickly and cover with a waterproof dressing.
• Bury any human waste. 

Floodwater can be dangerous and may be contaminated, so always wear protective equipment for all tasks:

• Sturdy boots, long pants and long sleeves, eye protection and gloves.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent when necessary.
• If power lines have fallen, move away slowly and calmly and contact the energy authorities. Be careful around trees, as branches may have become loose and can fall without warning.
• If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
• All electrical equipment (including vacuum cleaners, washers, fridges and dryers) should be dried and checked by an electrician before being used again. 

Electrical safety  

If your power or gas goes out or there's a fault or emergency, your distributor can arrange to send someone out if you have a supply issue or fault. For more information, visit the Electricity, gas and water safety information page. 

If you have been affected by a disaster, help is available.

The NSW Government has a community centred approach to disaster recovery. Individual and community needs are addressed through relevant recovery services and programs depending on the nature, scale and impact of the disaster event.

Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points may be established following some disasters.

Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points bring together local, state and commonwealth government and non-government services to support people affected by disasters. They provide access to one-on-one support and recovery services tailored to the community need. These may include:

• financial assistance
• temporary housing advice and support
• personal support (care and comfort)
• referral to mental health and counselling services
• insurance enquiries
• primary production assistance
• legal services
• business support

Face-to-face, phone and online assistance is available for NSW residents affected by disasters. If you require recovery assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Disaster recovery map

Visit the NSW Government Disaster recovery map for information about recovery centres, closed roads, temporary accommodation, wellbeing support and clean-up help.

In NSW, recovery from major disasters is managed by a wide range of organisations including members of the State and Local Recovery Committees outlined in the NSW Recovery Plan.

There are also a number of Disaster Assistance Schemes that can help you get back on your feet following a disaster.  

The NSW Government Disaster Assistance Guidelines also help inform the community, business, government, emergency services, councils, functional areas and those working in disaster recovery of the assistance available.