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Significant cyclonic activity, storms and flooding have occurred in many areas of Queensland, with much of the state declared a disaster zone.
Queensland Health has developed the following information and advice to ensure Queenslanders stay safe and healthy as we prepare for, and recover from, these natural disasters.
In an emergency, always dial 000.
For practical advice from a medical professional, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Be prepared during storm season with the following fact sheets:
Food requirements in an emergency
Many households may lose access to water, electricity and food stores during emergency events such as floods, storms, cyclones or bushfires in Queensland. Ensure your household emergency kit contains food and water for at least 3 days up to 7 days. The following fact sheets provide guidance on stocking your pantry for an emergency:
Gas and power supplies may be disrupted due to cyclones, storms and floods. This may affect the storage and cooking of foods, general hygiene and keeping optimum environmental temperatures for medications. For the sick, it may mean not being able to use medical equipment such as inhalers and vaporisers. You may also lose your usual means of keeping up-to-date with important notices broadcast on radio or television.
For more information, refer to Electrical safety in floods.
During and after storms and flooding, drinking water may be contaminated. Your local council will advise if you need to take precautions before drinking water in your area.
If you are concerned that your water may be contaminated, treat it before drinking. Conserve treated drinking water and use it for drinking and sanitation only.
For more information on safe drinking water, refer to
When cyclones, storms and floods hit, power failures are likely to occur and the food in your fridge may be unsafe to eat.
Action to take
For more information on food safety, refer to:
You can also download the following audio file:
Food safety in flood waters - Paul Florian, Director Environmental Health Services (MP3 30secs)
During disaster situations, medicines, including drugs and poisons stored in homes, may also be affected and contaminated by flood waters. This may make them unsafe and extreme caution should be taken in trying to salvage any medicines that are potentially flood affected.
It may also be more difficult to access essential medicines due to isolation, financial hardship or lost prescriptions and health care cards.
For more information, see:
Following the initial damage to property and infrastructure, flood water that has receded can still cause death, sickness and injury. The main health risks while in storm or flood-impacted areas include:
For more information on how to stay safe and healthy during the clean-up and flood recovery, see:
You can also download the following audio files:
Reducing mosquito borne diseases - Paul Florian, Director Environmental Health Services (MP3 30 secs)
Health around mould and associated health problems - Dr James Smith, Queensland Health public health physician (MP3 60 secs)
Safety issues when cleaning up in flood affected areas - Dr James Smith, Queensland Health public health physician (MP3 45 secs)
Most people involved in a traumatic incident or crisis experience some kind of emotional reaction. Although each person’s experience is different, there are a number of common responses that are experienced by the majority of those involved.
It is reassuring to know that, even though these feelings can be very unpleasant, they are normal reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event.
For more information, visit the Centre for Trauma, Loss and Disaster Recovery
Bushfires
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Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) at any time for practical medical advice and assistance following the disaster |
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