Flood threat hasn’t passed as flood waters recede

The cost of this month’s flood crisis is yet to be calculated, but has been labelled an “insurance catastrophe”.

The Insurance Council of Australia confirmed there had been 11,700 policy claims made between March 20 and 23 in NSW and Queensland, estimated to be worth more than $254 million.

The organisation's CEO Andrew Hall said a clearer picture of the damage will be revealed as the floodwaters recede.

“Insurers expect a large number of claims will be lodged in coming days as property owners begin returning to homes and businesses,” he said.

Multi-agency strike force clean ups are now actively assisting in the region. Authorities warn of receding waters may expose dangerous pollutants as the clean up begins.

The NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides advice on how to protect yourself and dispose of waste material.

The EPA advises:

• Not to enter a damaged building or structure unless deemed safe to do so by authorities
• Contact your insurance company directly and take plenty of photos of any property and contents damage before removing and disposing of items
• If removing/moving waste, remember to practice basic hygiene and use appropriate personal protective equipment including a dust mask, gloves, covered shoes/boots and full-length clothing cover for arms and legs
• If using disinfectants and/or other cleaners, follow safety advice on labels and do not touch eyes and face
• Be alert to snakes, spiders, rats and other wildlife that may have taken refuge in the building, structure or furniture
• Each area affected by floodwater within the building needs to be cleaned and dried. This includes fridges and cupboards. Wall and floor cavities should be checked for mud, debris and floodwater. If items are not completely dry mould or mildew may develop.
• Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Contact with floodwater can lead to skin and stomach infections and other rare but serious conditions such as leptospirosis.

There are many serious threats such as asbestos, hazardous chemicals and animal carcasses that pose a tremendous danger to health and well-being.

More information to help you clean up is available here: Household cleaning | Kitchen clean up.

• Topics:

• Community
• Local Council
• Environmental Issues
• General News
• Floods
• Health & Wellness
• Local Council