Disaster Recovery Recommendations
Often property managers overlook the need to take care of themselves and to monitor their own emotional and physical health – especially in times of high stress situations such as the Queensland flood occurrence. Taking care of yourself will help you to stay focused and maintain the skills necessary to help ensure your own safety and health, plus achieve the goals necessary to get through any disaster and high stress situation.
Here are some simple tips for self-care - and remember to look after you.
What you can do to look after yourself
Pace yourself where possible. Recovery management may continue for weeks and months. Set reasonable goals that can be achieved. Break tasks into manageable realistic pieces.
Take frequent rest breaks. Mental fatigue over long periods can place you at increased risk for injury and stress related conditions.
Be conscious of those around you. Colleagues who are exhausted, feeling stressed or even temporarily distracted may need support.
Maintain as normal a schedule as possible: regular eating and sleeping are crucial. Where possible, follow a team schedule and rotation.
Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids such as water and juices.
Try to eat a variety of foods and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (for example, breads made with whole grains, muesli bars).
Whenever possible, take breaks away from the work area. Eat away from the office and enjoy some of the great things in life such as walking around a park or sitting under a tree.
Recognise and accept what you cannot change— waiting, tradespeople, insurance assessors etc.
Talk to people when YOU feel like it. You decide when you want to discuss your experience. Choose your own comfort level.
Give yourself permission to feel tired / frustrated / fed up: you are in a difficult situation.
Communicate with your licensee at all times and tell them how you are feeling.
What you can do to look after yourself at home
Your family will experience the disaster along with you. You need to support each other. This is a time for patience, understanding, and communication.
Avoid overuse of alcohol, tobacco and sugar.
Rest regularly, even if you can only do it for a short time.
Do something about bodily tension, such as exercises.
Eat well balanced, regular meals.
Do not make any big life decisions.
Spend time with others or alone to help refresh and recharge yourself.
Let others carry more weight for a while at home.
Appreciate a sense of humour in yourself and others.
What you can do to look after your health
Avoid unnecessary direct contact with floodwater.
Wear appropriate personal protection including sturdy enclosed footwear.
Practice high levels of personal hygiene, washing or sanitising hands frequently and especially prior to eating or smoking, if smokers.
If any staff sustains an injury, first aid should be applied and medical attention sought immediately. (Licensee must be notified immediately)
To prevent mosquito borne diseases, Queensland Health recommends tropical strength repellent containing the chemical DEET or repellents containing the chemical picaridin. Users should always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding re-application and use.
When inspecting property, if in doubt about health or safety DO NOT ENTER. Organise appropriate contractors to enter and assess the property situation.
What you can do to assist members of the public in distress
• Experiencing stress after a prolonged emergency is to be expected. Members of the public will soon be returning to their homes and begin the clean up and recovery phase of the flood. Please be aware that for many they may experience strong emotions and other signs of distress. (Queensland Government, Queensland Health Factsheet. Stress after emergencies)
• The longer the emergency lasts, the stronger the symptoms are likely to be. Often stress starts while the emergency is on, but it may be worse after it is over. This is the rebound to the extra efforts that have been made during the crisis. Stress is normal and natural, but needs to be understood so it does not cause further problems. When dealing with the public please consider the symptoms associated with stress responses, for example -
Trouble thinking clearly, planning, making decisions; ruminating about problems, and forgetfulness.
Being detached, not caring anymore, irritability, bad temperedness, being impatient and restless, unable to relax or keep still, feeling overwhelmed with everything; tearfulness.
• Although difficult at times, please be patient where possible and link those displaying symptoms of stress with community support agencies where possible such as the Red Cross, Lifeline and The Salvation Army.
• The Australian Government can provide some financial aid to those directly affected by the floods – www.centrelink.gov.au
This information has been provided by www.police.qld.gov.au – Queensland Police Service and has been edited to be Real Estate Industry specific by Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence.
http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/
PART ONE
Often property managers overlook the need to take care of themselves and to monitor their own emotional and physical health – especially in times of high stress situations such as the Queensland flood occurrence. Taking care of yourself will help you to stay focused and maintain the skills necessary to help ensure your own safety and health, plus achieve the goals necessary to get through any disaster and high stress situation.
Here are some simple tips for self-care - and remember to look after you.
What you can do to look after yourself
Pace yourself where possible. Recovery management may continue for weeks and months. Set reasonable goals that can be achieved. Break tasks into manageable realistic pieces.
Take frequent rest breaks. Mental fatigue over long periods can place you at increased risk for injury and stress related conditions.
Be conscious of those around you. Colleagues who are exhausted, feeling stressed or even temporarily distracted may need support.
Maintain as normal a schedule as possible: regular eating and sleeping are crucial. Where possible, follow a team schedule and rotation.
Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids such as water and juices.
Try to eat a variety of foods and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (for example, breads made with whole grains, muesli bars).
Whenever possible, take breaks away from the work area. Eat away from the office and enjoy some of the great things in life such as walking around a park or sitting under a tree.
Recognise and accept what you cannot change— waiting, tradespeople, insurance assessors etc.
Talk to people when YOU feel like it. You decide when you want to discuss your experience. Choose your own comfort level.
Give yourself permission to feel tired / frustrated / fed up: you are in a difficult situation.
Communicate with your licensee at all times and tell them how you are feeling.
What you can do to look after yourself at home
Your family will experience the disaster along with you. You need to support each other. This is a time for patience, understanding, and communication.
Avoid overuse of alcohol, tobacco and sugar.
Rest regularly, even if you can only do it for a short time.
Do something about bodily tension, such as exercises.
Eat well balanced, regular meals.
Do not make any big life decisions.
Spend time with others or alone to help refresh and recharge yourself.
Let others carry more weight for a while at home.
Appreciate a sense of humour in yourself and others.
What you can do to look after your health
Avoid unnecessary direct contact with floodwater.
Wear appropriate personal protection including sturdy enclosed footwear.
Practice high levels of personal hygiene, washing or sanitising hands frequently and especially prior to eating or smoking, if smokers.
If any staff sustains an injury, first aid should be applied and medical attention sought immediately. (Licensee must be notified immediately)
To prevent mosquito borne diseases, Queensland Health recommends tropical strength repellent containing the chemical DEET or repellents containing the chemical picaridin. Users should always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding re-application and use.
When inspecting property, if in doubt about health or safety DO NOT ENTER. Organise appropriate contractors to enter and assess the property situation.
What you can do to assist members of the public in distress
• Experiencing stress after a prolonged emergency is to be expected. Members of the public will soon be returning to their homes and begin the clean up and recovery phase of the flood. Please be aware that for many they may experience strong emotions and other signs of distress. (Queensland Government, Queensland Health Factsheet. Stress after emergencies)
• The longer the emergency lasts, the stronger the symptoms are likely to be. Often stress starts while the emergency is on, but it may be worse after it is over. This is the rebound to the extra efforts that have been made during the crisis. Stress is normal and natural, but needs to be understood so it does not cause further problems. When dealing with the public please consider the symptoms associated with stress responses, for example -
Trouble thinking clearly, planning, making decisions; ruminating about problems, and forgetfulness.
Being detached, not caring anymore, irritability, bad temperedness, being impatient and restless, unable to relax or keep still, feeling overwhelmed with everything; tearfulness.
• Although difficult at times, please be patient where possible and link those displaying symptoms of stress with community support agencies where possible such as the Red Cross, Lifeline and The Salvation Army.
• The Australian Government can provide some financial aid to those directly affected by the floods – www.centrelink.gov.au
This information has been provided by www.police.qld.gov.au – Queensland Police Service and has been edited to be Real Estate Industry specific by Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence.
http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/
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