Stay safe after a disaster
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Health risks after a disaster
Following the initial impact of a disaster, injury and illness may still occur during clean-up and recovery.
For detailed guidance on staying safe during clean‑up, avoiding injuries and managing health risks, visit Queensland Health's
Public health advice for disaster management.
Main health risks
- injuries such as falls, skin lacerations and exposure to fallen electricity wires
- skin infections
- bites such as snake and spider bites
- sunburn
- mosquito-borne infections
- carbon monoxide poisoning from using petrol powered generators and pumps in confined spaces
- illness from eating or drinking contaminated food or water
- mental wellbeing
Drinking water in a disaster
During a disaster, tap water and private water supplies from tanks, wells and bores may be contaminated and unsafe to drink. Redland City Council will advise if you need to take precautions before drinking water in your area. Listen to Bay FM 100.3 and ABC 612 AM and for public announcements about the safety of your water supply or check with Council. Private water supplies should be tested before use.
Refer to Queensland Health's advice about treating drinking water and making tank water safe after a disaster.
Food safety after a disaster
Following a disaster event (such as a flood, fire, storm or cyclone), there may be some food in your house that is not safe to eat, especially if power has been cut or if food has been in contact with contaminated floodwater. If in doubt, throw it out!
If your vegetable garden has been in contact with floodwater, produce may be contaminated and unsafe to eat. As contaminants can remain in the soil, wait at least one month before replanting or harvesting.
Follow guidance from Queensland Health on discarding unsafe food, preventing food‑borne illness and cleaning food‑preparation areas at Food safety after a disaster.
Returning home after a storm, flood or cyclone
If you’ve evacuated, it’s essential to ensure your property is safe before re‑entering. This includes checking electrical systems, structural stability and potential contaminants.
For detailed guidance on safely returning home after a disaster, refer to:
Beware of health risks in floodwaters
Don’t walk or wade through flood water, if you can avoid it. There is an increased risk of wound infections, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections from polluted waters. Leptospirosis can also be contracted from flood water.
Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases – such as diabetes and kidney disease – and people who abuse alcohol or other drugs are more prone to infections and should consider avoiding flood water and mud due to hidden physical hazards and snakes.
Clean and disinfect all wounds and keep them covered. Avoid flood water and mud if you have broken skin or wounds, especially if you have diabetes or other chronic diseases. Wounds heal most quickly if the limbs are rested and elevated.
See a health professional or your doctor early for severe wounds, especially if the wound is dirty or becomes red, sore, swollen or painful.
Visit Queensland Health for information about protecting yourself from illness and health and safety after flooding.
Watch out for snakes, spiders and mosquitoes
- Watch out for snakes and spiders that may have hidden inside houses or debris, if bitten apply immediate first aid and seek medical attention.
- Sandflies and mosquitoes often increase after storms, floods and other natural disasters. Taking simply personal protection measures can help reduce bites and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
- The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. There are a number of measures you can take around the home.
Visit Queensland Health for information about personal prevention measures and how to prevent breeding around your home.
Returning home after a bushfire
Bushfire smoke and ash can affect breathing, allergies and chronic health conditions. Follow Queensland Health and emergency agency updates, and take steps like staying indoors, using masks if needed, and monitoring air quality.
Follow Queensland Government advice and fact sheets to support your recovery after a bushfire, visit: