My personal situation was that while high and dry, many roads prevented us from getting out to help others, and so a sense of isolation and uselessness set in as we watched the news reports. Others we knew had no electricity for long periods of time and this in turn caused other issues. To help them we continued to man phones; and kept family and friends interstate and overseas updated by internet and social networking sites as we continued to listen to helicopters overhead and hear the sounds of emergency sirens around us. After the peak of water went through, safer districts would go about replenishing supplies. In my district alone three major shopping centres had succombed to the flood water and this is now putting pressure on the two that are left. I visited three petrol stations before I could fill my car and the roads were both busy and treacherous. I can only imagine what the days ahead will be like for suburbs in the immediate areas of destruction.

So now to clean-up and re-building. Where to start once you return to your home?

The Mayor of Brisbane gave a basic checklist last night that goes like this:

1. Look for precious items first i.e. jewellery, important paperwork, photograph albums, family videos and other sentimental or expensive items that are still ok or can't be replaced and secure them. Ensure that they are not accidentally thrown out in furniture, drawers etc.
2. Food items: find the fridge and locate the pantry and empty both and dispose of food in garbage bags. Skips will be set up in each street for the disposal of food items to prevent rats and vermin. Where possible please do not leave garbage bags on the footpaths.
3. Remove carpets and rugs: Photograph and then cut a small sample from all for your insurance claim evidence. Remove all damaged electrical appliances and put them on a pile on the footpath.
4. Insurance: Photograph any of these bigger items and areas of the home for insurance claims. Do not forget things like meter boxes, hot water systems and the like. Contact your insurer as soon as possible for inspection and to lodge claim to avoid delays.
5. Electricity: Make sure that all power-points are switched off in case of surge. Be aware that solar panels will start to store power once the sun comes out. Be careful and check with Energex for any safety concerns.
6. Start to hose the house down from the top (roof) down to the lower levels and out to the street. As I write this, we are told that residents should not be penalised for excess water use during cleanup, and where water usage is concerned, either a system of compensation rebates or cheques will be available and a 28 day amnesty on use applied.
7. Rubbish: Council will take the material away. This should start from Monday 17th.
8. Dangerous and hazardous materials: Transfer stations should already be open from 6am-9pm.
9. Security: Please make sure that anyone who is coming to help you with your home, is genuinely there to do so. Don't let anyone suspect onto your property.
10. Work Clothes: Where possible, wear safe solid footwear, gloves, masks, hats, insect repellent, sunscreen, and ensure you have some first-aid supplies and an adequate supply of fresh drinking water and food with you.

Notes for Volunteers; Important Links & Phone Numbers

If you don't know who to help but still want to help, register with Volunteering Queensland at http://www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au/ Volunteers or Ph: 1800 994 100 duties will be co-ordinated from Saturday January 15th.

Brisbane lord mayor Campbell Newman said residents who want to help out with heavy equipment such as Bobcats and earth movers should email him directly at lordmayor@brisbane.qld.gov.au Council will donate the cost of diesel/fuel. They are also looking for tradespeople including electricians, concreters, builders and carpenters.

To help with the clean-up also refer to item (10) above and it would be helpful if you can bring your own tools, garbage bags, shovels and spades etc. If not helping with the clean-up offer to help look after children.

• National Registry & Inquiry System: Ph: 1800 727 077 or http://www.redcross.org.au
• Donations required for the evacuation centres (other than money): brushes, combs, underwear for men, women & children, toiletries. Take these items to local charity depots and stores such as Salvos, Vinnies, etc. they will forward them to the distribution centres.
• If you have a bed to donate: http://qldfloods.org/open-beds
• To donate money: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Lastly, for those who can't physically help, i.e. relatives and friends of the victims, perhaps this is the time to review a past article on mine "Rebuilding Lost Memories" which is full of ideas on how you can contribute your photographs, videos etc. to help replace memories that families and friends have lost.

(C) Angela Miller-Davis. Less Equals More Website. Less Equals More Blog. Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).

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