Insurance and flood damage – what to do when you return to your property:
Returning to your home after severe weather can be an overwhelming experience with live power lines and open areas of your house putting you at risk.
Safety First
- Only return to your property when emergency services give the go ahead. If water has entered the property, don't turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician.
Evidence of the damage
- Take pictures or videos of damage to the property and possessions as evidence for your claim.
- If wet or damaged materials (such as carpet and couches) pose a health hazard, take a photograph, keep a sample and discard these items. Make a list of each item damaged and include a detailed description, such as brand, model and serial number if possible. You can also keep samples of materials and fabrics to show your DSH Insurance assessor.
Clean up
- Follow health and safety advice when clearing up after storms, wear appropriate clothing and have experts inspect things like electricity, sewage and water supplies.
- Where possible, remove all wet items such as floor coverings, rugs, mats, furniture, bedding, linen and clothing.
- Remember to practice basic hygiene during any clean-up period. Wash hands thoroughly after participating in any flood clean-up activities.
Contact DSH Insurance to lodge a claim online or call 1300 552 662 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
If you require emergency assistance due to flood, please phone SES on 132 500.