Hazards after an emergency or disaster event

If your area has been affected by a natural disaster or emergency you should be cautious of hazards when assessing the damage.

Be sure your home is safe enough for you to enter. Be careful with any electrical or gas equipment or lines. Do not switch on electrical or gas equipment until it has been checked by a licensed electrician or gas fitter.

Use protective clothing including boots and gloves.

Cover any open cuts, scratches, grazes and wounds with waterproof dressings (bandages).

Know that even checking out the damage can be hot, heavy work and unexpected hazards can exist. Go with a partner who can help, do not go alone. Don't go inside if you have asthma or allergies or another lung disease.

Older homes may contain asbestos containing materials (ACM). It is recommended that professional asbestos removalists are engaged to assess and remove asbestos debris, especially when it breaks easily.

If you choose to remove small quantities of bonded asbestos it is essential that adequate personal protective equipment is used including:

• P2 or N95 mask
• disposable coveralls - if available or old clothes that can be disposed later
• gloves
• disposable shoe covers - if available or hard cover shoes that can be cleaned.

Do not crush or break ACM when you are moving it, ensure ACM remains damp by lightly hosing with water. Asbestos should be wrapped in heavy duty builders’ plastic or placed in heavy duty plastic bags and disposed of in accordance with the requirements of local government waste facilities. For further information, go to the Asbestos in the NT website.

Exposed edges or cracks in ACM building materials that remain in place should be sealed with paint or PVA glue.

Be aware that household, medical and industrial chemicals may have been released into the environment. Check for leaking or broken chemical containers in your house and shed.

If safe to do so, prevent spread of chemicals by using sand, earth or other commercial spill-containing products. Do not wash spillage down drains. Chemicals should be disposed of in accordance with the directions on the label and the requirements of local government waste facilities.