Quick guide (first 60 minutes)

1. Safety first: treat all wires as live; avoid pooled water; evacuate if you smell/hear gas; keep clear of unstable roofs and trees; wear enclosed shoes, gloves, eye protection.
2. People & pets: account for everyone; move vulnerable people to a dry area; secure pets; call 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
3. Shut off & make safe (only if safe): turn off mains power if water entered; shut gas at the meter if leak suspected; keep generators outdoors with RCDs.
4. Hazards scan: sagging ceilings, broken glass, sewage odours, chemical/battery spills, hanging branches.
5. Evidence: take wide→close photos/videos; record serials/receipts; note time and room for each photo.
6. Temporary weatherproofing: towels/buckets; cover broken windows/holes from inside; isolate wet rooms; avoid risky ladder/roof work.
7. Notifications: call SES 132 500 (non-life-threatening); contact insurer for a claim number and authorised make-safe steps; renters notify property manager; monitor VicEmergency/BOM.
8. Utilities & appliances: unplug wet/suspect appliances; keep fridges/freezers closed; don’t use wet switchboards/outlets.
9. Health & hygiene: treat cuts; avoid floodwater; wash hands/sanitise; discard exposed ready-to-eat foods; ventilate if it won’t invite more water.
10. Neighbours: check on nearby households (elderly/disabled); share key numbers; report downed lines to authorities.
11. Stay or leave: if structural/electrical/gas risks persist, leave; take IDs, meds, chargers, documents; choose a meeting place and tell a contact.
12. Plan next steps: line up electrician/plumber/roofer/arborist; start a damage log/expenses; set up safe drying; schedule a follow-up inspection.

Printing & customising