Rebuilding after bush fire disaster: our tips on what to do and where to turn

WE bring you a guide on how to begin getting your life back to normal in the midst of a fire disaster.

Tarnie Horner looks where her room was once searching for anything that she can salvage.

STANDING amid the ashes of your family home in the aftermath of a firestorm is not only one of the most distressing events a person can endure, but also one of the most daunting.

Coming to terms with your loss can be the easy part. Then you ask yourself: "What do I do next?" Do you need to get your electricity, gas and water bill stopped? What about paying your mortgage? What happens with your post, pets and insurance? And what should be your first phone call? Here is a guide on how to begin getting your life back to normal in the midst of a fire disaster.

INSURANCE

You will want to start rebuilding your home as quickly as possible, so your insurance company should be your first call. There will be a claim process for your policy and it will outline what you are covered for.

Most insurers have 24-hour call centres and records are kept electronically so don't worry if your policy has gone up in smoke. Most insurers will pay for emergency accommodation and will hand out cash promptly.

"Money changes hands pretty quickly," Campbell Fuller of the Insurance Council of Australia said.

When it comes to claiming items, take pictures of any damage or possessions you find. This will be used as evidence for the assessor later on. If possible make an inventory.

Some home policies cover the building and possibly a backyard shed or other items, but contents policies cover items up to their nominated amount. "They might have an $80,000 policy but there may be limits on items, like a few thousand dollars on any one item such as jewellery or artwork. So people would need to have nominated certain items separately for cover," Mr Fuller said.

The insurance hotline is 1800 734 621.

ELECTRICITY

If your home is destroyed, call your electricity retailer to cancel your bill. If your home is without power, the electricity distributors are the people to call, not the power company that sends out your bills.

If you are based in western Sydney, the Blue Mountains or the Southern Highlands your provider is Endeavour Energy. In Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter it is Ausgrid, and all remaining areas are covered by Essential Energy. Another option is to call a licensed electrician.

"Anyone returning home after a bushfire should contact a licensed electrician if they have any concern about damage. Electricity can be dangerous so best to be cautious," a spokesperson for Endeavour Energy said.

Solar customers should consult the Clean Energy Council for a list of accredited installers.

Their emergency number is 13 10 03.

GAS

In a fire situation gas can potentially add to your woes. If you are evacuated, turn off the gas supply at the meter when leaving.

If the property is affected by fire, the gas installation must be checked before turning the supply back on as damaged components may not be visible.

If you have LP gas cylinders, switch them off and keep them in an upright position. If possible, try to ensure they do not fall over and remove any gas bottles stored underneath your property.

"Beware of the hazard posed by LPG cylinders in bushfire affected areas. If you have concerns about the safety of your cylinders, please call our LPG safety line on 13 35 74," Origin Energy spokeswoman Anneliis Allen said.

If you do lose your home to a bushfire call your gas company and ask them for help to manage your energy account.

BANKS

"Now that my house is gone do I need to keep paying my mortgage?" is a commonly asked question in the event of a disaster.

The big four banks are each offering their own disaster relief options and assistance for households and businesses. ATMs are all operational and branches are open as usual.

Westpac customers will be able to defer payments for up to three months on loans or credit cards. There are also personal loans at a discounted rate available to replace lost goods, and some banks are making one-off grants of $5000 for accommodation, clothes and food.

Restructuring and payment breaks are available for Commonwealth Bank insured customers. National Australia Bank is offering to suspend home loans and personal loans and is waiving certain fees. ANZ is suspending loan repayments, waiving some fees.

Emergency Accommodation

With their homes gone many people will initially turn to relatives or friends in the first days after a fire. But those with nowhere to go can call the Salvation Army's Care Line on 1300 36 36 22. The agency will place you with one of its partners which is assisting with housing.

POST

Free mail redirection is offered by Australia Post for up to a year. No identification is required. "As a result of bushfires in a number of areas across the state, some mail deliveries will be affected. Delays are expected to be minimal," Michelle Skehan of Australia Post said. "If customers affected by bushfires want to redirect their mail, this service will be provided at no charge for up to 12 months."