Recovering after a natural disaster is important for the wellbeing of everyone in our community.

We can't stop disasters, but we can take steps to understand the impacts. We can also look at how to reduce your stress after a disaster.

Disasters affect people differently. Some people recover quickly, while others may take a long time to feel that things are back to normal.

Recovery takes time. Your body and mind may be affected by the disaster months later.

Do your best to take care of yourself, and get help from family and friends. Let your community help you get back on your feet.

Some physical things can help you recover emotionally:

• spend time with family and friends
• try to go back to your everyday routine
• eat and sleep well
• seek or accept extra support when you need it.

Where to get help

Personal support

The Australia Red Cross offers disaster recovery services and resources to help you and your community to heal.

The Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy offers a range of information for mental health and wellbeing following a disaster. Queensland Government - Mental Health and wellbeing

The  Black Dog Institute offers online tools and mobile apps for your mental health and wellbeing developed and successfully tested through research trials that you can access anywhere at no cost. Mental health online tools and apps - Black Dog Institute

The Queensland Government has information on how to replace documents such as your:

• birth certificate
• drivers licence
• passport.

The Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts offers support and financial assistance after a disaster.

Children and young people recovery

The Australian Red Cross offers recovery resources to help young people cope during and after a disaster.

The Youth Disaster Recovery website has information for youth, friends, teachers and parents about natural disasters and how young people may respond. For helpful advice and tips, please visit the Youth Natural Disaster Recovery website or download the app.

The Birdie’s Tree resources on the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service website include interactive storybooks and games for children who are recovering after a natural disaster.

Cleaning up after a disaster

Australian Red Cross has information and tips on cleaning up after a disaster.

The Insurance Council of Australia can help if you are having insurance issues after a disaster. Download their Insurance fact sheets.

The Financial Ombudsman Service Australia can help with mortgage and bank disputes.

The Queensland Government has information about:

• Cleaning up after a fire
• Tips for flood water damage
• Bushfires and your health.

Donations

If you would like to donate goods, services or funds to residents affected by an emergency or disaster event please visit the GIVIT website. GIVIT matches requests for support in the community with public donations and 100% of donated funds received are used to purchase essential items.

Volunteering

If you would like to volunteer to support affected communities and individuals please contact one of the following agencies:

• Australian Red Cross - 1300 554 419 free call
• Lifeline - 1800 800 768
• The Salvation Army - 13 72 58
• Volunteering Queensland

Business recovery

The Queensland Government can help businesses after a disaster.

For rural disaster recovery, please visit the Business Queensland website.

The Queensland Government has information on rebuilding your business after a disaster.

Animals and pets in recovery

For information on livestock and farms that have been affected by a natural disaster, including managing cattle and animal welfare, visit the Business Queensland website.

The RSPCA has information about looking after your pets during and after a disaster.

More information

Recovering from a disaster needs support from many different agencies. The Local Disaster Management Group will coordinate disaster recovery in Logan.

For more information please:

• download the SEQ Flood Local Recovery Plan (PDF 464 KB)
• download the Logan City Local Disaster Management Recovery Plan (PDF 2.90 MB)
• visit the Queensland State Government’s Disaster management website.

To learn more about the 2017 flood in Logan, download the Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie Recovery Report (PDF 6.0 MB).