Bushfires are a powerful and potentially devastating occurrence. Clean up and recovery after a bushfire can be heart wrenching, traumatic and also dangerous. Dealing with dead and surviving livestock, trying to retrieve belongings from fire damaged buildings, dealing with hazardous materials, repairing burnt fences is all physically and emotionally difficult work. It is important to be cautious and take time to protect your safety.
Department of Primary Industries in your state, local veterinarians and your local council can coordinate and provide recovery assistance and advice to primary produces impacted by a natural disaster event. Assistance can be provided to assess and evaluate your stock damage and assist with disposal of animals that need to be destroyed.
For more information on bushfire support and information visit Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment For more safety tips on bushfire aftermath visit Better Health Channel.
For tips important information on returning home after a bushfire visit VIC Emergency
Keep in tune with the social and emotional health of yourself, family members, employees and neighbours. Be aware of signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can take months or even years to appear.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include vivid memories, feeling constantly on edge and avoiding reminders of the event.
For more information on Post Traumatic Stress disorder visit Better Health Channel.
If you feel you or someone else needs help or more information on managing stress on farm go to the Farmer Health Support Page to access support contacts.
References used for this bushfire aftermath page
More information:
Better Health Channel
Bushfire aftermath – safety tips
Department of Environment and Primary Industries (Vic)
Recovery after an emergency
Vic Emergency
Returning home after a bushfire
Better Health Channel
Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD
Clinical care:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
The long-term health consequences of disasters and mass traumas
Australian Psychological Society
Recovery from disasters
Recovery from bushfires
Last updated: 6th May, 2020