What to do after a natural disaster

In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, follow these steps to find help and begin your recovery.

Find emergency and crisis instructions and support

Each state and territory has emergency and crisis information and support services available. You can find links to the emergency information services on the National Emergency Management Agency website. And use the list below to find general information and recovery services in your state.

Listen to the advice of emergency services about accessing your property and surrounding areas. If it's not safe, do not try to enter. 

You may be eligible for Government payments if you've been affected by a natural disaster. 

Assess your property

Only when it's safe to do so, assess the damage to your home, car, and any other property that has been disaster-impacted. Check for any dangers, for example, asbestos or unsafe electrical wiring and equipment. Always avoid floodwaters.

Take photos or videos of all the damage. Include as much detail as possible.

Take safe and reasonable steps to prevent any further damage to your property and belongings. For example, covering damaged roofs to prevent further water damage.

Check your insurance cover

Deal directly with your insurer or the insurance broker you organised your insurance through. They can help you check what your insurance policy covers and help you start the claims process.

If you need emergency accommodation, ask your insurer if they can help you.

If you've lost your insurance details, ask the Insurance Council of Australia.

Assess the damage to your property

Check with your insurer before making any repairs to your property. Your insurer may need to authorise repairs and tradespeople before they happen.

Government clean-up programs

Find out what services you can get for free before paying for the clean-up yourself. The cost of cleaning up may be covered by your state or territory government.

Start the recovery process

Start your insurance claim

See How to make a home insurance claim or Claiming on your car insurance for the steps to lodge a claim with your insurer. 

Try to lodge your claim as soon as possible, particularly if the natural disaster has been widespread.

Also ask your insurer if you're entitled to any emergency benefits, for example, free car hire or accommodation.

Contact your bank or lender

Let your lender know you have been impacted by a natural disaster. Their financial hardship teams will have a range of ways they can help you. If you're finding it hard to make loan or credit card repayments, ask your bank or lender for a hardship variation.

Financial hardship team contact details are on the Australian Banking Association or the Customer Owned Banking Association websites.

Ask for the help you need

Making financial decisions, particularly after a natural disaster, can be overwhelming. The emotional impact can be significant, especially if the recovery process is long. Speak to:

• your doctor — they can often identify the help you need
• Lifeline Australia — phone 13 11 14 for a free 24-hour crisis support service. Or try their crisis support chat service
• Beyond Blue — phone 1300 22 46 36 to speak to a mental health professional 24 hours a day. Or contact via web chat  
• 13YARN – phone 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Speak to a free financial counsellor

Financial counselling is free, independent and confidential. A financial counsellor can help you make a plan to manage your money and prioritise your bills and other payments.

A financial counsellor can also talk to creditors on your behalf and negotiate affordable payment plans. The earlier you get help, the more options you'll have.

Other sources of help

Recovering from a natural disaster can be a slow process. Don’t hesitate to make use of all the services you need