With north Queenslanders bracing themselves for the onset of Cyclone Debbie today, it\u2019s important to take some advice from the experts about storm damage.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n SES spokesperson\u00a0Stephanie Wills shares her tips on where to start when assessing property after a storm.<\/p>\n Wills urges caution above all else. After a storm, you\u2019re looking at broken glass, damage to roofs, and trees that have fallen down \u2013 and still have the potential to fall down.<\/p>\n After a flood, it could mean damaged roofs leaking contaminants like asbestos<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be cautious when checking your home for damage. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe most important thing to keep in mind after a storm is safety \u2013 to yourself, your family and neighbours,\u201d Wills says.<\/p>\n Keep this\u00a0front-of-mind\u00a0before you consider what your\u00a0next steps will be.<\/p>\n According to the SES, danger zones are: Creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines or\u00a0any damaged buildings.<\/p>\n Although it can be tempting to go sightseeing and\u00a0inspect areas that have changed since the storm or flood, this can hinder recovery efforts and also\u00a0put you at risk.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t rush in, make sure it\u2019s safe to enter the property. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When\u00a0it\u2019s time to check the damage to your home, don\u2019t rush\u00a0in. Wills shares\u00a0these tips:<\/p>\n Now that you have ascertained that it\u2019s safe to enter, using a torch you\u00a0can proceed\u00a0to inspect the damage.<\/p>\n In a flood, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, including boots and gloves, while cleaning up.<\/p>\n Floods can cause failures to water mains so drinking water should also be checked before consuming.<\/p>\n \u201cNever eat food that has been in contact with flood water,\u201d Wills says.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling panicked in the aftermath of floods or storms it can help to\u00a0remember the value of your own safety.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may be a shock to the system, but you are more important than your property,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can get a new house but you can\u2019t get a new you.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in need of emergency help as a result of storms or floods,\u00a0you should contact the SES on\u00a0132 500.<\/p>\n These sites also have some great resources:<\/p>\n FloodSafe\u00a0NSW<\/strong><\/p>\n SES Victoria<\/strong><\/p>\n SES\u00a0QLD<\/strong><\/p>\n FloodSafe\u00a0SA<\/strong><\/p>\n Flood\u00a0WA<\/strong><\/p>\n FloodSafe\u00a0TAS<\/strong><\/p>\n Emergency Services\u00a0ACT<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n [ad_2]<\/p>\n link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1. Safety first<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n2. Steer clear of danger zones<\/h2>\n
3.\u00a0Check your home<\/h2>\n
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4. Make sure water & food is safe<\/h2>\n
5. Keep calm & know who to call<\/h2>\n