The physical environment
It helps to think ahead about what the physical environment might look and feel like when you return home. There may be a delay in returning home if the area is not safe, or authorities are searching for missing people. The area affected may also be treated as a crime scene, if the cause of the fire was suspected arson.
After a bushfire, you may find your local environment has dramatically changed from the one you left. Some of the experiences people report after bushfire include:
• blackened, lifeless landscapes
• burntoutbuildings,outbuildings,vehicles
• smell of burnt bush
• areas covered in ash
• road signs and familiar landmarks missing
• dead animals
• rotten food in the fridge (especially if the electricity has been turned off for days)
• search and rescue signs painted on houses.
Preparing to return home
When the all clear is given, think about the following things:
• Are the roads open, and are they safe?
• Have you got enough fuel, food and water?
• Are mobile phones charged?
• Who will you inform that you are returning home?
• Have you got a torch and a radio?
• Have you got appropriate clothing, boots, hard wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as gloves, and a hat?
• Will you take children and pets on the first visit? • Is your tetanus booster up to date?
Returning home
If there is no apparent damage:
• Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe to do so.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots which can flare up without warning.
• Work out what you need to do first, small steps at a time, check that power, phone, water, gas and sewerage/septic tanks are functioning. You may need to call essential services.
• Check on neighbours.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimise breathing dust particles.
• Wear leather or thick rubber gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk. Check with local authorities for hazardous disposal assistance.
• Be aware that the weather conditions and clean-up work may be tiring, so schedule plenty of breaks.
• Ensure your food and water are safe
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Never use water you think may be contaminated in order to: wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
• Inspecting your home
• Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Bushfires may have left burning embers that could reignite.
• Take photographs of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
• Do not switch anything back on, including heating systems, if there is any structural damage. Have the house checked by an authorised electrician or supplier.
• If outside, stay away from broken wires and fallen electrical cables and call your power company immediately.
• Visually check the stability of the trees. Any tree that has been weakened by fire may be a hazard. Call an arborist if you think a tree may be in danger of falling.
It helps to think ahead about what the physical environment might look and feel like when you return home. There may be a delay in returning home if the area is not safe, or authorities are searching for missing people. The area affected may also be treated as a crime scene, if the cause of the fire was suspected arson.
After a bushfire, you may find your local environment has dramatically changed from the one you left. Some of the experiences people report after bushfire include:
• blackened, lifeless landscapes
• burntoutbuildings,outbuildings,vehicles
• smell of burnt bush
• areas covered in ash
• road signs and familiar landmarks missing
• dead animals
• rotten food in the fridge (especially if the electricity has been turned off for days)
• search and rescue signs painted on houses.
Preparing to return home
When the all clear is given, think about the following things:
• Are the roads open, and are they safe?
• Have you got enough fuel, food and water?
• Are mobile phones charged?
• Who will you inform that you are returning home?
• Have you got a torch and a radio?
• Have you got appropriate clothing, boots, hard wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as gloves, and a hat?
• Will you take children and pets on the first visit? • Is your tetanus booster up to date?
Returning home
If there is no apparent damage:
• Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe to do so.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots which can flare up without warning.
• Work out what you need to do first, small steps at a time, check that power, phone, water, gas and sewerage/septic tanks are functioning. You may need to call essential services.
• Check on neighbours.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimise breathing dust particles.
• Wear leather or thick rubber gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk. Check with local authorities for hazardous disposal assistance.
• Be aware that the weather conditions and clean-up work may be tiring, so schedule plenty of breaks.
• Ensure your food and water are safe
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Never use water you think may be contaminated in order to: wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
• Inspecting your home
• Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Bushfires may have left burning embers that could reignite.
• Take photographs of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
• Do not switch anything back on, including heating systems, if there is any structural damage. Have the house checked by an authorised electrician or supplier.
• If outside, stay away from broken wires and fallen electrical cables and call your power company immediately.
• Visually check the stability of the trees. Any tree that has been weakened by fire may be a hazard. Call an arborist if you think a tree may be in danger of falling.