Flood volunteering

In past flood events, some apartment body corporates have advised residents to relocate their basement possessions prior to Council after closely monitoring river level heights themselves. There is also a risk that the rate of river rise happens fast or that Energex cuts the power without warning. This means official flood warnings may be too slow for the relocation of thousands of resident’s cars and belongings to occur in a timely manner.

Body corporates should help residents prepare for the possibility of relocating basement vehicles and possessions before floods occur. Ensure residents are aware that they may be advised when to act, and to respond to this advice in a timely manner.

If a resident does not respond to this advice during a flood event, remain respectful and compassionate. There are many reasons why someone might be in denial or not ready to listen. E.g. they may need help to move their possessions or they feel overwhelmed by the task. Start a conversation to try and find out their reason for not listening or acting. Sometimes we can help people process the need to act by talking through it, outlining the risks above, or the steps involved.

Ultimately, it is an individual’s choice to relocate their possessions (unless authorities have ordered the building or street to evacuate). However, if is a matter of personal or community safety try to push a little further or enlist the support of someone else.

In past flood events, flood damaged household objects (including kids toys) accumulated in heaps on footpaths waiting to be removed by the Council for several days. young children might also be upset by seeing and hearing about flood impacts on the news.

• Be honest. Help them understand what is involved in the clean up process. Point out that lots of volunteers are cleaning many different places in Brisbane and there’s only so many people and trucks to help.

• Reassure them. Let children know that the volunteers will be helping clean up your neighbourhood, street or building. Point out how many people are getting together to help out.

• Validate how they’re feeling. Acknowledge that we’ve had a flood and some people have been affected, and that it’s okay to feel scared or worried. Big feelings are normal. Coping with these feelings is important.

• Read a story. Watch or read Birdie and the Flood which are designed to help young children and their families cope with floods. These are available for free on the Children’s Health Queensland website.

• Get prepared. Involve kids in getting prepared for floods by letting them know about any flood response procedures. (E.g. we may have to move our car and basement storage belongings, the lifts and power might go out, or we may need to use the stairs for a few days, or stay with friends for a few days). Red Cross’ Pillowcase Program encourages kids to pack some things that are important to them into a pillowcase as an emergency kit.

Some people may not be able to help with cleaning up muddy streets and homes, cleaning flood-damaged belongings, or go near flood waters due to health and safety issues. There are still many ways to help out, such as offering to:

• Volunteer at a community or neighbourhood centre (such as the West End Community House). In the past elderly and pregnant volunteers have helped with food preparation and to address basic needs such as making a cup of tea, listening to people, recharging devices, and linking people to services.

• Check in with your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or disabled. In the past, some residents have felt forgotten or overlooked. Offer to listen to them or help them access support if possible. Check in again in the weeks or even months after a flood to see how people are going. For some, the effects of a disaster can continue long-term, when most people appear to have ‘moved on’ from the event.

• Prepare food for flood volunteers or flooded households on your street.

• Clean salvageable items such as cleaning kids toys. Sometimes these ‘smaller’ acts of help have a big impact for affected residents and families.

• Take care of children when parents need time to make flood recovery arrangements.

• Navigate services, government assistance, or insurance claims.

• Temporarily accomodate friends, family or neighbours until their homes are clean and liveable again.