Once a weather event has passed, here’s what you can do to start the recovery process.
Every year storms damage thousands of Australian vehicles. Here are some important tips to help you after a weather event has passed, courtesy of RACQ.
Safety Preparations:
- Only go back to your home if local authorities have advised it’s safe to enter.
- Don’t attempt to enter your property if it feels unsafe. If urgent assistance is required, call your local SES on 132 500 and if you see an electrical risk, call Energex on 13 19 62.
- Don’t allow children to play near flood waters.
- Keep damp areas well ventilated – open windows and let things dry out (if it’s stopped raining) but always maintain security if leaving the property.
- Take regular breaks, drink plenty of fluids and don’t let yourself overheated
- Damaged or soiled items can be a health hazard, please remove to a safe area
- Do not turn on any appliances that have been wet.
Vehicle tips:
- If your vehicle has had water in the interior, do not start or drive it.
- If water has not entered the interior but has inundated the engine bay (headlight height) or the exhaust, do not start or drive it.
- Where possible, take images of the exterior (showing the water line if visible) and interior (through windows is fine).
- If safe to do so, remove personal items including toll tags and garage remotes, leaving logbooks in the vehicle.