safe return booklet

8/14/2019 Safe Return Booklet

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A guide to a sae return to your property

A guide to a sae returnto your property

Dont return to your bush fre-damaged home beore the area

is declared sae by emergency services or your Local Council

It is important to remember that

everyones situation is dierent.

This inormation is intended as

general advice only or those

aected by the Victorian February

2009 bushfres.

NEW

EDITION


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guide to a sae return to your property

Contents:Returning to assess your home 3

On-site death or injuries 3

Beore you return home 3

On the way to your home 4

Returning home 4

Animal welare 7

Protective clothing 8

Wearing a acemask 8

Asbestos hazards 8

Removal o chemicals and hazardous materials 9

Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) treated timber 10

General waste management 11

Mains water supply 12

Water tanks 14

Septic tanks/grey water treatment plants 15

Gas 16

Heating and Cooling 17

Electricity 17

Air Quality 17

I cannot determine my home site boundary anymore 18

Assessing the state o your home 18

Scenario A: Does my house need to be demolished? 18

Scenario B My house is damaged but could be lived in 20Scenario C My house is habitable and I want to move back in 20

Temporary housing 22

Building permits Back cover

How do I nd practitioners who can help re-build my home? Back cover

Returning to assess your homeIt is important or your own saety and the saety o yourcommunity that you dont return to your home beore theall-clear is given by emergency services or your Local Council.It is equally important that when you do return home you areaware o the hazards and other issues you will ace. Returning to

your property can be both physically and mentally challengingso it is essential that you use caution.

Emergency services will attempt to eliminate obvious hazards,however, you are responsible or ensuring your property is saebeore undertaking any activity in or around damaged structures you must seek proessional advice to do th is. A hazard

assessment by experts may be necessary to determine thestability o ull and partially standing walls, roos and chimneysand the saety o services. Your insurance company may also have conditions a boutwhat you can or cannot do until the loss assessor visits.

This document is a guide only and i you have any doubt about the risks involved in returninghome, please seek the advice o appropriate authorities and building proessionals. Manyreaders will have already returned to their homes and many will be amiliar with theinormation and advice in the guide. However, it is important that all residents in bushreaected areas can access the inormation and utilise it in line with their individual needs.

On-site death or injuriesI you discover a deceased or injured person call 000 immediately.Do not attempt to move any injured person unless they are in immediate danger o deathor urther injury. I you must move an unconscious person, rst s tabilise the neck and back,then call or help immediately.

Beore you return home

There are a number o things that you should do or have with you beore you return home.Use the checklist below to assist you:

Check with emergency services and/or your Local Council that it is sae to return homeNotiy someone that you are returning home and what time you expect to be back

i you are returning Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen or emergency updates

and news Have a battery-powered torch to inspect damaged buildings. You should turn the torch on outside beore entering the battery may produce

a spark that could ignite leaking gas, i presentWear protective clothing (see page 8) and take a supply o acemasks (P2/N95) Take sucient drinking water and ood or consumption on site Call SP AusNet on 13 17 99 to check i your power is t urned on or o

Bring a mobile phone.

Bushfre Building

Building Commission (8am 8pm Monday to Friday)

1300 360 320Advice Line

ImportantinormationThe State Government hasadvised that it is not sae toreturn to live permanentlyon your land until the sitehas been cleaned up.The Victorian Bushre Recoveryand Reconstruction Authority(the VBRRA) is currentlydeveloping a coordinatedapproach to the cleanup o sites.


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On the way to your homeWatch or allen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, trees,low branches, burning debris and ootpaths.

Returning homeFor saety reasons, initial access should be limited to adults.

The ollowing is a checklis t o the things that you should do when you arrive at your home.

Immediately put on your P2 (also known as N95) acemask and all protective clothing

Walk around the outside o your house to check or the ollowing hazards:

Live electricity

Electrical hazards may exist such as live powerlines that may be down.Do not enter your property until you are advised that it is sae to do so byocers rom Emergency Services, utilities or Local Council or have checkedwith your power authority.

Leaking gas (odour or gas hissing)

I you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, turn o the gas at your meter orisolating valve at the cylinders or LPG. I the problem persists or you cannotnd the tap, move away and immediately phone your gas supplier. Do notenter any buildings.

Any work on gas appliances and pipes must be carried out by a LicensedPlumbing Practitioner.

Gas piping may have ruptured, allowing gas to escape. I this occurs

immediately turn o the meter or cylinder valve and seek help.For emergencies ring the National Response Centre13 27 71.

Septic or sewerage leaking

Be aware that lids o buried septic tank systems may have collapsed or havemoved (or been removed) and may be a hazard. Be careul where you walk.

Hot embers

Be aware that hot, smouldering coals and other potentially hazardousmaterials may be hidden under the rubble.

Trees and over-hanging branches

Be aware that trees could be aected by heat and weakened.Any over-hanging branches pose a risk to you and your property.

Major structural damage

Buildings and other structures (e.g. water tanks and stands) may be uns tableto enter or walk over. I you are unsure seek advice rom your Local Councilbeore attempting to recover items or enter the property.

Asbestos I your building was built beore 1988 it is hig hly likely that it

may contain asbestos.

I you think buildings on your property may contain asbestos cementsheeting, take extra care when handling building wreckage.

Breathing asbestos bres can cause serious illness including cancer.It is important to read the asbestos section on page 8 o this documentand the Department o Human Services Hazards on your propertyater a bushre act sheet.

Hazardous chemicals

Hazardous household materials that may be present ater the re includemedicines, garden or arm chemicals, other general chemicals ( e.g. cleaningproducts, pool chlorine etc.), metals and other residues rom burnthousehold appliances as well as ash and dusts.

Chemical drums

Damage to chemical drums may lead to the unknown contents posing athreat to both personal and community saety. Your Local Council will have

storage acilities. Agsae and local councils are working to manage this.

Burnt treated timber

Some timber is treated with copper chrome arsenate (CCA). It is a woodpreservative that is impregnated into the timber giving it a distinctive,pale green colour that ades to grey over time.

CCA-treated timber is commonly used in private and public recreation areasor pergolas, decking, cubby houses, claddings, posts, gates, encing andlandscaping purposes. Generally, it poses very low health risks or normal use.However, the ash rom CCA-treated timber can pose a health risk.

HAZARDS Yes No

HAZARDS Yes No


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Animal welareIn the process o cleaning up your property you may nd d ead or injured animals.This could be dis tressing, particularly i pets are involved, so you may need to seek thesupport o amily or riends.

In the case o a dead animal, i it is a small animal, such as a pet or wildlie, you may wish tobury it on your property. However, i you are unable to do so, you should contact your LocalCouncil to seek their advice and assistance.

In the case o larger animals, such as d ead livestock and wildlie, you should contact yourLocal Council to seek their assistance in the disposal, which may be more appropriate at anauthorised site.

In any instance o burying d ead animals on your property you need to consider proximity towater courses and underground water supplies.

I you nd a burnt or injured animal you should call the Victorian Bushfre InormationLine on 1800 240 667. DPI sta will assess l ivestock and provide assistance in treatment,humane destruction and disposal o animals as necessary. Contact the local Department oPrimary Industries (DPI) Animal Health Advisor on 13 61 86.

Check or animals in your tank water

It is important to check your water tanks and your gutters and downpipes as wildlie mayhave sought reuge there. It is important that animals or birds are removed in the cleanup process to ensure the health o your water supply. I you nd dead animals or birds in

your water tank you should not drink or use the water in your home or to water stock.However, it can be used or gardens or re ghting. You should contact your Local Councilor proessional tank cleaner regarding making sure your uture tank water supplies are sae.

I any o these hazards are apparent please do not proceed until you believe it is sae.

Check your water on-site as it may be contaminated. Please do not consume any wateruntil you have conducted the check described on page 14.

You will need to assess the s tate o your home to determine i you can move back in,your home will t into one o the ollowing categories:

Require sdemol ishing andi s unli vable (seepage 18)

Is damagedbut couldbe l ivedin( see page20)

Isundamaged(seepage20)

Please refer to the relevant pages to d etermine the appropriate actions for the s tate

of your home.

Air quality is likely to be aected by the dust rom the site. Ensure you are wearing yourP2 (N95) acemask and ensure that i you change your acemask, you replace it with a newacemask. Once the acemask is taken o it cannot be reused.

Any demolition work should be carried out by a registered d emolisher or someoneexperienced in the eld o demolition.

Where do I take all the site rubble?

It is not recommended that you move any rubble or waste matter beore you check with yourLocal Council and the EPA.

Ater you have let the site

Once you have let your bushre damaged home, please notiy your point o contact to letthem know you are sae.


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I you are present during cleanup works wear a P2 (N95) acemaskand protective clothing and gloves.

I asbestos-containing material on your site is not burnt, and limited to only a ewAC sheets, wrap it securely in two layers o heavy duty plastic (or double bagged intwo plastic bags or small ragments) and take to a landll approved by Council orthe Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), phone (03) 9695 2722.

For General Enquiries contact WorkSae Victoria Advisory Service on (03) 9641 1444or1800 136 089 (toll ree). Otherwise email [email protected]

For inormation about sae handling o building rubble or ash, contactWorkSae Victoria on 1800 136 089 (toll ree).

Removal o chemicals and hazardous materialsInormation kits are available at Community Services Hubs, selected public meetings andthrough your Local Council relating to the removal o chemicals and hazardous materials.

Contact WorkSae Victoria or general enquiries, Advisory Service on (03) 9641 1444 or1800 136 089(toll ree). Otherwise email [email protected]

For general health inormation about asbestos, copper chrome arsenate (CCA) or otherchemicals, contact the Environmental Health Unit o the Department o Human Services(DHS) on 1300 761 874.

For inormation about transport and disposal o hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos) contact theVictorian EPA (03) 9695 2722.

For inormation about sae handling o building rubble or ash, contact WorkSae Victoria on1800 136 089 (toll ree).

Protective ClothingWhen returning to assess your home, please remember you are returning to a verydangerous place and you should try to wear as much protective clothing as possible.

Protective clothing might be hard to nd as these items could have been damaged ordestroyed in the res. Check at Community Services Hubs in your area. However, personalsaety is very important and can reduce any more injuries or atalities occurring.

Protective Clothing

Wear sturdy ootwear (steel capped work shoes i possible) and heavy duty workgloves to protect you rom broken glass, standing on sharp objects or getting burntby smouldering coals

Wear protective overalls (and/or long sleeves and trousers). I convenient, weardisposable coveralls and throw them out with the site waste ater use. Anynon-disposable clothing (including shoes) should be cleaned/laundered beore reuse

Wear saety goggles or protective glasses.

Wearing a acemask Special acemasks (called P2 or N95) should be worn to lter out ne particles,

including asbestos bres. They are available at most hardware stores P2 (N95).Facemasks lter out a slightly h igher proportion o ne particles than P1

P2 (N95) acemasks are a recommended minimum i you are in the vicinity o a bushre aected home.

Ordinary paper dust acemasks, handkerchies or bandannas do not lter out ne ashor dusts or any asbes tos bres that may remain. Thereore they are generally not veryuseul in protecting your lungs

Wearing a acemask can make it harder or you to breathe normally. I you have apre-existing heart or lung condition seek your doctors advice beore using one

It is also important to note that these types o acemasks are much less eective ithere is a poor seal around the ace and mouth. Men with beards can have diculty

getting a good seal.

Asbestos hazards Buildings built beore 1988 may contain asbestos cement (or AC) sheeting in walls,

roos, foor, underlays, eaves, chimney fues or in the backing o some vinyl foor tiles.These sheeting materials are not a health risk unless they are cut up, broken up orground, in which case they may release asbestos bres

During a bushre, the amount o asbestos bres released into the air is likely to be low

Ater a bushre, bres may become airborne when excavation and cleanup worksdisturb the asbestos clumps. I a large amount o asbestos material (e.g. house orshed) requires demolition and removal, a licensed asbestos removalist should beengaged. The waste must be transported in an EPA-approved vehicle and taken toan EPA-approved landll or disposal

Local Council Contact number

Alpine Shire Council (03) 5755 0555

Baw Baw Shire Council (03) 5624 2411

Benalla Rural City Council (03) 5760 2600

City o Greater Bendigo Council (03) 5434 6000

Cardinia Shire Council 1300 787 624

City o Casey Council (03) 9705 5200

Corangamite Shire Council (03) 5593 7100

Hindmarsh Shire Council (03) 5391 1811

Horsham City Rural Council (03) 5382 9794

Indigo Shire Council (03) 5728 8000

Knox City Council (03) 9298 8000

Latrobe City Council 1300 367 700

Macedon Ranges Shire Council (03) 5422 0333

Mansfeld Shire Council (03) 5775 8555

Mitchell Shire Council (03) 5734 6200

Mount Alexander Shire Council (03) 5471 1700

Murrindindi Shire Council (03) 5772 0333

Nillumbik Shire Council (03) 9433 3111

Greater Shepparton City Council (03) 5832 9700

Southern Grampians Shire Council (03) 5573 0444

Towong Shire Council (02) 6071 5100

Rural City o Wangaratta Council (03) 5722 0888

Wellington Shire Council 1300 366 244

City o Whittlesea Council (03) 9217 2170

Yarra Ranges Shire Council 1300 368 333


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Health Symptoms

Eating CCA ash can cause nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea and/or a pins and needleseeling in the skin

I you have or anyone in your amily has these symptoms see your doctor as soon aspossible or go to the nearest hospital.

Further CCA ash inormation

For inormation about:

DHS Environmental Health Unit on 1300 761 874.

Transport and disposal o CCA ash contact the Environment Protection Authority

(EPA) on (03) 9695 2722. Domestic garbage requirements and landll locations - contact your Local Council.

CCA and arm animal health contact the local Department o Primary Industries(DPI) Animal Health Advisor on 13 61 86.

General Waste ManagementFor replacement o garbage and recycling bins contact your Local Council.

It is recommended that you do n ot move any non-household rubbish, rubble or waste until youhave checked with your Local Council on the volume o waste to be sent to landll stations.I you require temporary bins or th is transportation, again contact your Local Council. Scrapmetal, iron, concrete and bricks should be separated as some materials can be recycled.

For general health inormation about asbestos, CCA or other chemicals, contact theEnvironmental Health Unit o the Department o Human Services (DHS) on 1300 761 874.

For inormation about transport and disposal o hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos) contactthe Victorian EPA (03) 9695 2722.

For inormation about sae handling o building rubble or ash, as part o your employment,

contact WorkSae Victoria on 1800 136 089 (toll ree).

Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) treated timberCCA stands or copper chrome arsenate. It is a wood preservative that is xed into the timbergiving it a dis tinctive, pale green colour that ades to grey over time.

CCA-treated timber is commonly used in private and public recreation areas or pergolas, decking,cubby houses, claddings, posts, gates, encing and landscaping purposes. Generally, it poses verylow health risks or normal use.

What happens to CCA-treated timber when it is burnt?

I you know that you had structures made rom CCA-treated timber, when cleaning up the ash,remember:

The remaining ash and char can contain up to 10% (by weight) arsenic, copper and chromium.This ash may pose a health hazard i swallowed by young children or grazing animals

It is not possible to tell i ash contains arsenic just by looking at it. I you had CCA treatedtimber structures beore the re you should assume the ash will contain arsenic,chromium and copper.

CCA ash precautions or young children and arm animals

Young children are more likely to put the ash in their mouths, and swallowing only a ew grams oash is harmul. Farm animals may also lick or swallow the salty ash residue. Children, pets andarm animals should be kept away rom CCA ash until it is cleaned up.Poisons Inormation is available 24 hours a day seven days a week on 13 11 26.

Collection and disposal o CCA ash

CCA ash should be collected and taken to an EPA-approved landll site or disposal

Do NOT bury CCA ash or other building waste on your property. This practice couldcontaminate land or water and potentially expose your amily, animals and the broadercommunity later.

The VBRRA will provide updates when coordinated

cleanup work is undertaken.


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Barwon Water 1300 656 007

Gippsland Water 5177 4600

Central Highlands Water 5320 3100

Coliban Water 1300 363 200

East Gippsland Water 5150 4444

Goulburn Valley Water 1800 454 500 5832 0445

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water 5382 4611

Lower Murray Water 5051 3400

North East Water 1300 361 622 (02) 6022 0555

South Gippsland Water 5682 0444

Wannon Water 1300 926 666

Western Water 1300 650 425

Westernport Water 1300 720 711 5956 4100

Melbourne Water 13 1722 9235 7100

City West Water 13 1691 9313 8422

South East Water 13 1694 9552 3000

Yarra Valley Water 13 1721

Southern Rural Water 1300 139 510 5139 3100

Goulburn - Murray Water 1800 013 357 5833 5500

Falls Creek Resort Management 5758 1200

Lake Mountain Management Board 5957 7222

Mt Buller & Mt Stirling Management Board 5777 6077

Mt Baw Baw Management Board 1300 651 136 5165 1136

Mt Hotham Resort Management Board 5759 3550

Parks Victoria 13 1963 8627 4699

Mains water supplyBushres can impact on drinking water supply and quality. You are advised to contact your localwater authority regarding the quality o the water.

To nd out i your mains water supply is sae to drink contact your local water authority.I unknown, check the map to id entiy local water authority.

Business Customer Service Telephone


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Septic tanks/grey water treatment plantsCan I use my septic tank?

A number o treatment plants rely on computer operated systems that may have beendamaged. These will need to be checked by a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner. Other treatmentsystems that are not computerised may need to be checked also or operational issues (againby a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner and the local environmental health ocer).

Saety issues that need to be checked: Open covers/pits Ruptured leaking systems (plumbing pipe work) Damaged/exposed plumbing pipe work that may need capping/sealing o.

Note: This will also apply to below ground rainwater tanks.

The EPA approves the type o onsite systems that may be ins talled in Victoria, via a certicateo approval system.

Local government operates a permit system, which controls the ins tallation, maintenance andmonitoring o individual units.

Councils issue the permit generally as part o any planning approval required. Seek advice romyour council to clariy what permits are required.

Councils Environment Health Ocer is able to provide advice about appropriate systems.

My toilet appears to be blocked. What should I do?

Contact a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner to check the installation.

What do I need to do to my septic tank prior to using it?

Contact a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner to check the installation.

Can I empty my portable toilet into my septic tank?Yes.

Can I use my water and sewage systems?

I pipes are damaged, turn o the main water valve. Check with local authorities beore usingany water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tes ted byauthorities beore drinking. Do not fush toilets until you kn ow that sewage lines are intact.

Water tanksYou will need to check the quality o your tank water. Wildlie may have sought reuge in thetank during the re and re retardants may have also made their way into your water supplyrom aerial spraying and wind drit.

How do I know i my tank water is contaminated ater a bushfre?

The best guide is your knowledge o what your tank water usually looks and smells like.

I the water smells unusual, or is cloudy, has an unusual colour or contains particles, assumeit is contaminated. You should seek an alternative supply o water or drinking, cooking andteeth cleaning

I in doubt, assume the tank water is contaminated

Boiling the water will not remove contamination rom ash and debris

Water that is not suitable to drink may still be used or other purposes, like re ghting orwatering the garden.

I havent got power but still have the tank and pressure pump.

Firstly you need to ensure/test water quality (reer to previous question). Contact Energy SaeVictoria, on (03) 9203 9700 or 1800 800 158, to ensure the electrical saety o the pump and

your saety. For health inormation about the quality o your water in the tank ater a re, contactthe Environmental Health Unit, Department o Human Services on 1300 761 874.

When can I start using my rainwater tank again or drinking water?When it is sae to do so, you should clean the ash and debris rom your roo and gutters.

I it rains prior to cleaning, you should ensure that the rst fush o rainwater is not collected inyour tank by disconnecting the tank or using a rst fush diverter. Only do this i you are sureyour building is structurally sound (see Assessing the state o your home on page 18)

Check the structural soundness o the tank

Dead birds or other small animals ound in gutters should be removed using gloves and putin a plastic bag or disposal

DO NOT ENTER A TANK (conned space)

A tank cleaning proessional should be engaged to clean the tank

Contact a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner or reconnection and commissioning o yoursystem. Also contact Energy Sae Victoria on (03) 9203 9700 (or a suitably qualiedelectrician) to ensure the electrical saety o the pump.

For urther health inormation about the quality o your rainwater tank ater a re, contact theEnvironmental Health Unit, Department o Human Services on 1300 761 874.

Catchment areas

Debris and ash will wash into creeks and streams. Thereore water rom creeks or streams will notbe suitable or drinking.


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My gas meter has been damaged or removed. What should I do?Contact your gas retailer/supplier or a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner.

My gas meter was turned o during the fre. What should I do?Do not t urn your gas meter on. Ring your supplier. Then engage a Licensed PlumbingPractitioner to test the installation and recommission the appliance.

How do I know i my appliances (s tove, water heater etc) are suitable or use?We recommend you contact a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner to check the installationand commission the appliances.

Heating and Cooling

Evaporative coolers will require maintenance on the pads/lters and pan to remove anydebris/cinders etc (other water appliances with lters should also be cleaned).

Split systems and heating sys tems may need to be inspected or recommissioned by aLicensed Plumbing Practitioner.

ElectricityElectricity retailers/suppliers are working around the clock in an e ort to restore power tohomes which lost electricity because o the bushres. Residents are encouraged to keepout o electricity easements and to use a registered electrician i connecting a generator.

Its very important or people to note that i they are in re-aected areas they need tobe prepared to be without power or up to several weeks, as the damage to electricityinrastructure is anticipated to be very signicant.

I your meter box and/or supply line rom the street or resid ence has sustained damage,you will need to contact a registered electrician and your retailer to undertake repairsbeore power can be reconnected.

For urther inormation or an emergency call SP AusNet Faults Line directly on 13 17 99.

Air QualityEPA will be temporarily establishing additional air quality monitoring acilities in areaslikely to have prolonged smoke impacts. This will assist in monitoring impacts rom reson local communities. For more inormation call the Victorian EPA Victoria on(03) 9695 2722.

GasFor general enquiries about reticulated gas supply ( piped gas rom the mains gas supply)connection and/or disconnection o your gas you need to contact your retailer.

For all enquiries about LPG gas supply, connection and/or disconnection, contact your retailer.

It is recommended that you contact a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner to check the installationand recommissioning o any exis ting appliances.

Alternatively or emergency gas services, such as gas leaks, contact the National ResponseCentre on 13 27 71.

What do I do i I smell gas?Contact the National Response Centre on 13 27 71.

I the source is rom LPG bottles, isolate by t urning o valves. I it is mains gas, isolate the gassupply at meter.

I have got a disconnected LPG cylinder. I am unsure what to do with it?Contact the retailer/supplier or a Licensed Plumbing Practitioner.

I turned my cylinder o when the fre was approaching. Can I turn it back on?Prior to turning the cylinder back on, contact your retailer/supplier and engage a LicensedPlumbing Practitioner to check the integrity o the installation.

Origin 132 461

AGL 132 692

TruEnergy 133 466

Red Energy 131 806

Simply Energy 138 808

Vic Electricity 1300 136 749

Retailer Contact number

AGL (LPG) 132 692

ELGAS (LPG) 131 161

Kleenheat (LPG) 132 180

Retailer Contact number


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The ollowing steps are related to the demolition o buildings and s tructures:

Step One Insurance and inspection

Have you contacted your insurance company?Your insurance company may have a process that will need to be ollowed to ensure yourclaims can be processed appropriately.

Has your property been inspected?I not, you may need to organise or an inspection to be carried out by your local CouncilsMunicipal Building Surveyor or using a registered building surveyor or inspector organisedby the MBS to determine what action needs to be taken.

Step Two action and reportingWhat type o action has been determined by the building surveyor?

Action A Emergency Order demolish *I structures are on the property which are a danger to the saety o the occupants need tobe demolished and/or made sae, an emergency order will be issued by the MunicipalBuilding Surveyor only.

Action B Building Order to DemolishA building order to demolish may be issued by your Local Councils Municipal BuildingSurveyor or a registered building surveyor where appointed and could include requests orthe removal o rubble (dwelling or buildings) rom site that have been destroyed by the res.

Action C Inspection Report *A site inspection may identiy that the buildings on site may be restored or partiallydemolished. The inspection report can be carried out by a Municipal Building Surveyor orregistered building surveyor.

* Any emergency orders, building order s or inspection reports must be forwarded to your

insurance company before any action is taken on-site.

Step Three demolishing buildings (i needed)Who can do demolition work?It is recommended that a registered demolisher carries out d emolition works or a suitablyexperienced Registered Building Practitioner.

Can I remove the rubble mysel?It is recommended that i the d emolition works is extensive and involves structural elements,a suitably experience Registered Building Practitioner be used.

I cannot determine my home siteboundary anymore

Prior to any re-building works or replacement o encing it is important that title boundarieso properties be re-established and marked on the ground by a licensed land surveyor.

The Oce o Surveyor General Victoria in partnership with the oce o Spatial InormationInrastructure, the Association o Consulting Surveyors Victoria (ACSV), MelbourneUniversity and RMIT University are orming a Surveying Task Force to develop and enact aplan to ensure that the property entitlements o all landowners are protected.

The initial tasks will involve setting up new GPS base s tations, locating and fagging allexisting survey control marks within the burnt areas and undertaking surveys to connect

these marks to property boundaries.To ensure that the surviving survey marks are protected and preserved, these tasks needto be done prior to mass clearing works by heavy mach inery. To ensure that propertyboundaries are accurately re-established, it is critical that as many survey control marks aspossible remain intact and undisturbed.

For urther inormation contact the Ofce o Surveyor General Victoria on 8636 2525or the ACSV ofce on 9326 9700.

Assessing the state o your homeYou will need to have the state o your property assessed, taking into consideration theproessional advice about what needs to be done to existing s tructures. While existingstructures may appear to be habitable, an inspection report may need to be carried out bythe Municipal Building Surveyor or building inspector. The inspection report will detail i thebuilding is structurally sound and whether it is sae to be occupied. The ollowing scenariosguide you through the three dierent scenarios you are likely to ace.

Scenario A:Does my house need to be demolished?Demolishing your house

I your house has been completely des troyed or is unsalvageable you need to ensure youollow the correct process, so you can successully make an insurance claim and, moreimportantly, or your own saety. Hidden in the rubble o your house could be dangerouschemicals, heavy metals, broken glass, charred and twisted metaletc.


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For numbers not lis ted here please go to: www.mav.asn.au

Scenario B:My house is damaged but could be lived inStructures that have been damaged may pose a saety risk

A site inspection may identiy that the buildings on site can be restored or partially demolished.The inspection and report can be carried out by either a suitably registered structural engineer,registered building surveyor, registered building inspector, registered architect or a RegisteredBuilding Practitioner who has the suita ble experience.

Scenario C:

My house is habitable and I want to move back inI your house hasnt been re aected but is located in a re aected area you should ensurebuildings are sae to occupy. You will also need to get all your basic utilities reconnected.However, this might take some time as powerlines and water pipelines could be des troyed.

A check should be made by a suitably qualied person (e.g. electrician or Licensed PlumbingPractitioner) that services are still sae to use.

There could also be hazardous materials on-site or the sae removal o these please consult theHazardous Materials section o this document on page 9.

Water supply

Water supplies and water quality remain largely unaected to date or most towns acrossthe State. However, bushres sometimes impact on drinking water supply or quality. In allcases, residents are advised to contact their local water authority or urther inormation seelist on page 12.

Postal Services

Australia Post will hold the mail or all addresses in re aected areas and are asking that peoplewho have lost their home to visit their closest pos t oce to ll in a redirection orm (ree ocharge) or their mail. Australia Post can be contacted on 13 13 18.

Other General Enquiries

For any other enquiries, contact your Local Council.

Local Council Contact number

Alpine Shire Council (03) 5755 0555

Baw Baw Shire Council (03) 5624 2411

Benalla Rural City Council (03) 5760 2600

City o Greater Bendigo Council (03) 5434 6000

Cardinia Shire Council 1300 787 624

City o Casey Council (03) 9705 5200

Corangamite Shire Council (03) 5593 7100

Hindmarsh Shire Council (03) 5391 1811

Horsham City Rural Council (03) 5382 9794

Indigo Shire Council (03) 5728 8000

Knox City Council (03) 9298 8000

Latrobe City Council 1300 367 700

Macedon Ranges Shire Council (03) 5422 0333

Manseld Shire Council (03) 5775 8555

Mitchell Shire Council (03) 5734 6200

Mount Alexander Shire Council (03) 5471 1700

Murrindindi Shire Council (03) 5772 0333

Nillumbik Shire Council (03) 9433 3111

Greater Shepparton City Council (03) 5832 9700

Southern Grampians Shire Council (03) 5573 0444

Towong Shire Council (02) 6071 5100

Rural City o Wangaratta Council (03) 5722 0888

Wellington Shire Council 1300 366 244

City o Whittlesea Council (03) 9217 2170

Yarra Ranges Shire Council 1300 368 333


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Temporary HousingTemporary housing on your re damaged property is an o ption you may consider while yourebuild or partially rebuild your home. However, obtaining council permission and meetingcertain requirements applies.

A temporary building is dened as:

A building that is easily transportable and able to be removed rom site within 24 hours

Does not have permanent ootings

Will only be used or a period o six 12 months maximum, then it must be removed romthe site

Must contain or have access to:

Toilet acilities Washing and bathing acilities Food preparation

Must have adequate natural light and sucient ventilation

Must have sae access to the building by way o steps or a ramp

Operating smoke alarms

Structurally adequate or a period o 12 months.

It is important to understand that your temporary home will need to be removed when youoccupy your newly built home on your site, or within 1 2 months. I this is not possible, youshould discuss the sit uation with your Municipal Building Surveyor.

In most cases building permits are not required or buildings classied as temporary housing.

You must discuss all temporary housing arrangements with your councils local laws department,Municipal Building Surveyor and the environmental health ocer.

Notes


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Bushfre Building

Building Commission (8am 8pm Monday to Friday)

1300 360 320Advice Line

Building permitsAlmost all building work will require a building permit to be issued by a registered building surveyor.

An application or a building permit can be made to a Municipal Building Surveyor who works atyour council, or a private building surveyor. To search or a building surveyor in your area visitwww.buildingcommission.com.au

Your building surveyor will issue your building permit which ensures:

your builder is registered and carries the required insurance

the paperwork is in place to construct your home

a review o the building documentation occurs

key stages o the work are independently inspected.

The Building Commission will reimburse the building permit levy paid by residents o thebushres who are rebuilding or partially rebuilding, i the levy is NOT paid by an insurer.

How do I fnd a Registered Building Practitioner or Registered/LicensedPlumbing Practitioner who can help re-build my home?

To nd a Registered Building Practitioner (such as a builder, building surveyor, building inspector,designer, demolisher) or a Licensed or Registered Plumbing Practitioner, phone 1300 360 320or visit www.buildingcommission.com.au or www.pic.vic.gov.au

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