Be Flood Safe
There are some precautions you can take to minimise damage to your property or danger to you and your family members. For further information see the SES webpage.
Before a flood
- Know the risk of flood impacts where you live, work, where your children go to school and where you travel to
- Know which roads will be cut off and plan your evacuation. Be prepared to act quickly in evacuating your home if there is flash flooding
- Make a Home and/or Business FloodSafe Plan
- Place medication, personal documents such as passports, prescriptions and valuables in a waterproof container that can be easily carried
- Put together an emergency kit containing a portable radio, mobile phone, torch, spare batteries, bottled water, first aid kit and a list of emergency contacts in a portable waterproof container
- Decide what to do with any pet(s) if there is a flood
During a flood
- Turn on your radio (ABC radio am:702) and listen for updates or keep an eye on the SES webpage
- Stack furniture on benches & tables, secure possessions that can float and place electrical items at the highest possible point
- Block toilets and floor drains with sand bags from inside your home to prevent sewage backing up
- Turn off gas and electricity at the mains
- Follow your Home and/or Business FloodSafe Plan
- If surrounded by floodwater keep your family together and remain inside your home at the highest point
- Follow any directions by the emergency services
After a flood
- Ensure your building is structurally safe to enter. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be aware of potential contaminants including asbestos
- Ensure the electricity and gas is turned off before entering and use a torch
- If power points or any electrical equipment have been exposed to floodwater get them inspected by a qualified electrician before use
- Gas appliances and gas bottles exposed to floodwater should also be inspected before use
- Wear protective clothing including boots and gloves when cleaning up
- Be aware of any trip or fall hazards
- Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater
- Only use clean utensils, clothes and personal items
- Have a supply of bottled drinking water available
