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After a Disaster

After a disaster, the world that may have seemed unchangeable may be unrecognisable. Landmarks may have been removed, personal effects lost, friends killed, employers destroyed, services non-existent and the population deeply affected. You or your family may be injured or displaced.

This is the time for recovery and renewal. Individuals react differently to a disaster and no prescription can be provided as to how best to recover. It is important to remember that you are not alone, that others are in this with you and that others have successfully gone through this before.

Respect people's privacy in this period of great stress. Disaster areas are not tragedies for sightseeing. Visitors in disaster areas add to security concerns, clog essential traffic routes and may be putting themselves or others at considerable risk eg from downed powerlines.

Important aspects are: -

Finding others

One of the most important initial post-disaster actions will be finding family and friends. Where you have a plan, start by calling the points of evacuation you have identified eg neighbours, etc.

Contact should be made at any disaster support centre, through hotlines set-up off after the event, Police or your council.

The Red Cross runs a national disaster victim registration and inquiry service that aims to trace and reunite those who are separated and who arrive at community refuge, evacuation or support centres.

Minimising further loss

It is possible to significantly reduce your losses by acting swiftly. The first hours and days are a critical time and action should consider:

Temporary protection of partially damaged areas
Salvage of undamaged goods
Protection of undamaged stock, animals, etc
Disposal of debris, burnt stock, remains etc
Cleaning and reinstatement of items

Immediate Support

Community support services will be available to assist with the recovery effort. They are set up by Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS). Contact should be made with your local CYFS Disaster Coordinator or Council.

Food & Clothing - Immediately during and after most disasters, relief food and clothing is available at support centres.
Temporary accommodation - Finding somewhere to stay is one of the initial post disaster needs. A support centre can assist and may identify temporary housing, shelters or other methods available in your area.
Financial support - Support centres have the ability to provide limited financial support for essential items, accommodation and needs.
Medical and veterinary support - support centres provide a link to health services and animal recovery groups

Rebuilding

After a disaster you may wish to rebuild your home. Demands on builders may be high and some items eg roofing may be in short supply. Arrangements for essential repairs may be available through CYFS.

Building standard changes, particularly in flood and fire prone areas may mean rebuilding your home exactly as it was before it was damaged is not possible. Councils can advise on current building protocols and associated planning guidelines.