By Peter Douglas
WITH many residents in the Yarra Ranges still enduring power outages and the effects of storm damage, Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging citizens to make use of available assistance.
Winds of up to 120km/h lashed the region on Sunday, 9 October, causing major damage and destruction throughout the region.
According to council, its trees crew has received around 500 tree-related calls from Yarra Ranges residents since Sunday, requiring their support to clean up and remove fallen trees on roads and inspect trees that might be dangerous.
They have received reports of 36 homes that have suffered significant damage due to fallen trees.
According to council, when reports come in, properties are inspected and residents are referred to DHHS for hardship assistance.
An Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) was established on Sunday evening at 9pm for residents who may have required temporary accommodation because of damage to their homes.
The ERC was closed at 12 midnight due to lack of demand, which indicated that residents may have been able to access shelter through family and friends.
Council is currently co-ordinating relief and recovery efforts with other community agencies to provide support for impacted residents, including accommodation options, shower and laundry access, links to emergency food providers and information regarding food and water safety, food disposal and septic tank management.
Yarra Ranges Council has prepared the following fact sheet for those still affected:
Where can I go if I need accommodation tonight?
If your house suffered major damage and has been deemed uninhabitable, contact council and you will be referred to an appropriate service provider.
My power is still out. Is there somewhere I can access hot showers and laundry facilities?
Council has made contact with the following businesses to arrange access to showers and laundry facilities (at some locations only). Please note you will need to report to the office and BYO towels and soap for each facility. Gold coins will also be required to operate laundry machines.
* Belgrave Heights Convention Centre: 3 Convention Avenue, Belgrave Heights (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday);
* Badger Creek Big 4 Caravan Park: 417 Don Road, Badger Creek;
* Brittania Ridge Caravan Park: 160 Tarrango Road, Yarra Junction;
* Doon Reserve Caravan Park: 200 Doon Road, Yarra Junction (7am-10am and 4pm-7pm. Please call in advance. Laundry facilities are not currently available);
* Healesville Caravan Park: 322 Don Road, Healesville (1pm-4pm);
* Lilydale Caravan Park: 105 Warburton Highway, Lilydale ($5.50 fee); and
*Warburton Caravan Park: 30 Woods Point Road, Warburton (9am-6pm).
Can I access any financial assistance?
Please contact council’s Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM), who will put you in touch with a relevant agency for further advice or assistance.
Where can I access counselling and/or personal support for myself or my family?
Red Cross and other agencies can assist with numerous services. Please contact council on 1300 368 333, who can connect you with the appropriate agency.
My house has suffered major structural damage and I don’t know if it is safe to enter – who do I need to contact?
Contact your insurer and council
If your house has suffered major structural damage, council will complete a building assessment and provide advice on whether your house is habitable.
For all council-related inquiries, phone Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333.
My house has suffered a major structural damage and I don’t know if it is safe to enter – who do I need to contact?
Contact your insurer and council.
If your house has suffered major structural damage, council will complete a building assessment and provide advice on whether your house is habitable.
For all council-related inquiries, phone Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333.
How do I dispose of food safely during a power outage?
Food safety is an important consideration during power outages.
Some pockets of the Yarra Ranges may not have power restored until the end of the week.
There are basic precautions to take to make sure food remains as safe as possible.
If you have meat that’s defrosted and unsafe to eat, please keep it inside your freezer and place in your bin on the day before collection day.
Be careful when using portable generators and alternative power supply options. Generators should never be used indoors.
This information applies to residents and business owners.
Food waste and collection:
Yarra Ranges Council recommends you talk to your neighbours to ask if they have any spare bin space in the lead-up to collection day.
Please fill your bins to their maximum capacity but do not allow them to overflow.
Overflowing bins containing food or bags of food waste piled up beside the bin will attract vermin and animals.
What should I do with food waste until my weekly collection day?
* Move food from the fridge to the freezer;
* Place bagged ice under the food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges (where possible); and
* Only open the fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary to keep the air cooler for longer.
Food advice for the home:
The most important thing is to try to keep cold and frozen food cold. If food is still cold to touch (less than 5C), it is safe to use.
Before and after a power failure:
* Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, it can be kept and eaten for up to four hours and then it must be thrown away;
* If it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten;
* Eat hot food within four hours of it being heated; and
* If power is restored when frozen food is still frozen solid, the food is safe.
Can I drink the tank water if my power is still out?
The quality of your tank water may be compromised if your pump has not been working due to the power outage. Bottled water may be your best option in the meantime.
For concerns regarding the safety of your tank water, please contact council’s public health officers on 1300 368 333.
Wastewater and septic systems:
If you rely on power for your septic system to function, and your property is without power, the system may be affected.
Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses, and diseases can be transmitted if appropriate measures are not taken.
Indications that your septic system may require attention include:
* A pungent odour around the tank and land application area;
* Blocked fixtures and wastewater overflowing from the relief point;
* High sludge levels within the primary tank; and
* Sewage flowing up through the toilet and sinks.
If your tank is full or overflowing, contact your service agent and/or licenced septic tank clearing service.
If your tank or effluent lines are damaged, contact a licensed plumber or drainer for emergency works.
For general advice or inquiries around septic systems, contact Council’s Health Service on 1300 368 333.
Are there places to go to charge my mobile phone and other devices?
Yes. Council’s Community Links in Lilydale, Monbulk, Upwey, Yarra Junction and Healesville are available for residents who need to charge their mobile devices.
