Monday, February 28, 2011

Rubbish Management for Natural Disasters

Wow, what a terrible month! Brizzy Rubbish Removals has been busy helping with the flood clean-up and those terrible images of devastation will stay with us for a long time. If it isn’t a flood in South East Queensland, it’s a cyclone up north and out west or an earthquake across the ditch. Mother Nature is having a shocker of a year! While there isn’t much we can do to prevent natural disasters, Brizzy Rubbish Removals can help you prepare. Here are our top tips for minimising damage caused by junk in your home or workplace.

Rubbish Management for Floods


  • Check if your home or workplace is in a flood zone and if so, what the predicted high water level is. Your local council should be able to provide this information.

  • Move valuable items above the high water level and dispose of any dangerous chemicals, waste containers or poisons.

  • Have large “hard rubbish” items removed from your property to avoid any damage they could cause if dislodged.

  • Anchor (or better remove) any fuel containers or tanks.

  • Anchor (or better remove) any unnecessary objects under your home or workplace or in your yard or car park.

  • Assist neighbours to anchor or remove any dangerous items.

  • Secure (or better remove) any unnecessary buoyant objects.

  • Clean out and organise your shed or warehouse to minimize loss.

Rubbish Management for Earthquakes


  • Clean out overhead cupboards and secure stored items

  • Remove any unnecessary or waste glass from your property. Remove any dangerous materials such as asbestos or lead containing paints.

  • Remove any rubbish from utility rooms (for fast access to gas and electricity mains).

  • Clear your yard of any objects that could block the path to outdoor utility mains (such as your water mains).

  • Remove any unnecessary objects or furniture which could block exits.

  • Dispose of fuel containers, old paint and other flammable objects.

  • Dispose of any unnecessary chemicals.

  • Clear out ceiling cavities and attics.

Rubbish Management for Storms and Cyclones

  • Cover and anchor all outdoor items.

  • Remove damaged fence palings or building fixtures.

  • Cut back all branches close to your building or power lines.

  • Clean out gutters and check downpipes for damage.

  • Clear all clutter from patios, decks and landings.

  • Assist neighbours with preparing their homes or businesses.

  • Secure or remove any hanging items such as potted plants.

  • Clear rubbish from under your house.

  • Ensure car ports or car parks are free of rubbish to avoid damage to vehicles.

Rubbish Management for Bushfires

  • Clean out gutters.

  • Remove all old gas and fuel containers from your home or workplace.

  • Remove all rubbish from your yard or car park.

  • Trim tree and bushes and cut back any branches close to your building.

  • Mow your lawn short and remove clippings.

  • Cut back (or down) “oily” trees such as Eucalypts.

  • Remove barbecue gas cylinders.

  • Remove any rubbish or debris that could obstruct fire crews from accessing your water mains.

  • Clear away all rubbish from under your home.

  • Clear flammable rubbish from within your ceiling or attic.

  • Dispose of any chemicals that emit toxic gas when heated.

  • Remove scrap timber and other building materials.

Rubbish Management for Animal / Insect born pandemics

  • Remove old tires or any vessel that will allow water to sit stagnant.

  • Clear gutters, repair downpipes and ensure water tanks are protected from insects.

  • Clear any rubbish or green waste preventing effective drainage.

  • Replace torn or broken fly screens.

  • Never store old mattresses (they make the ideal rat’s nest).

  • Remove all cardboard and natural fiber based rubbish (they make the ideal mouse nest).

  • Do not store compost waste close to the home and always comply with the manufacturer’s instructions on compost bins and worm farms.

  • Avoid placing meat and dairy based foods in compost bins.

  • Regularly clean out your pantry.

  • Avoid leaving toys and playground equipment uncovered to prevent contamination by bird and other animal feces.

  • Remove all rubbish stored on bare dirt and regularly treat pets with flea and tick treatments.

These are just a few things you can do to prepare for natural disasters. For a comprehensive list, contact your local SES or Council. For everything that is preventable before and everything that needs clearing away after, Brizzy Rubbish Removals is here for Queenslanders.

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