There are different kinds of flooding, including riverine and flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings for riverine flooding, but flash flooding is hard to predict and you may not get a heads up before disaster strikes.
Before a flood
Prepare your home
- Obtain a copy of your local council’s flood plan, which should show the location of problem areas, evacuation routes and relief centres.
- Work out what the safest route to leave your property would be, and if you could be cut off by floodwaters.
- Sandbags can help to protect your home when used correctly. The SES or your local council is the best place to start.
- Know the kind of flooding your area is prone to. You might get advance warning if a river is rising, however flash flooding after heavy rainfall can happen within hours or minutes when runoff or drainage can’t disperse the water.
- If a flood is likely, tune in to your local ABC Radio station and keep listening for advice and warnings. You can find your local station on the ABC Radio frequency finder as well as listen online or via the ABC listen app.
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What should you do when you see or hear a flood warning?
- Identify the safest route to your nearest relief centre and leave well before roads are closed by water.
- Get ready to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to higher locations.
- Work out which indoor items you want to put in a higher spot.
- Think about what you will do with the contents of your fridge and freezer.
- Check your emergency kit and make plans to keep your pets safe.
- Let friends, family and neighbours know what your plans are.
- Consider what conditions will be like if a flood arrives and you choose not to evacuate — for example, will you be stuck in your home with no power if there’s a blackout?
What to do if you need to evacuate
- Along with your emergency kit, pack warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone and charger, photos and mementos in waterproof bags.
- If you can’t take your pets with you, decide how you will look after them.
- Raise furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces.
- Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open.
- Turn off power, water and gas.
- Lock your home and take the safest evacuation route out of the area.
- Don’t drive through floodwater.
- Remember: Walking, driving or riding through floodwater is very dangerous.
Whether you stay or go
- Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all drains; this will stop sewage back-flow.
During a flood
- Avoid driving, walking, swimming or playing in floodwater.
- If you have to walk through floodwater, do so very carefully — wear solid shoes and use a stick to check depth and current. Floodwater may contain sewage.
- Avoid drains, culverts and water that is knee-deep or higher.
- Stay well away from fallen powerlines — electrical current passes easily through water.
- Identify your nearest relief centre and the safest route to get there, but only go if you are sure it is safe.
- Let family and friends know where you are and where you are going.
- Keep listening to your local ABC Radio station on a battery-powered radio, listen online or via the ABC listen app for updates and instructions.
- Got information that could help others? Get in contact with your local ABC Radio station and tell them what you can see; reliable first-hand knowledge can help others in the community.
After a flood
- Stay tuned to your local ABC Radio station on a battery-powered radio, listen online or via the ABC listen app for official advice and warnings.
- Don’t return home until authorities have said it is safe to do so.
- Don’t turn on your gas or electricity until it has been checked by a professional; the same goes for appliances.
- Don’t eat food which has been in floodwater.
- Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.
- Take lots of photos of all damage for insurance claims.
- Let your family and friends know where you are.
- In case you become separated from loved ones during an emergency, Red Cross manages Register.Find.Reunite, a national registration and enquiry service. The service is activated during major natural disasters. People can register at redcross.org.au or in person at an evacuation or relief centre.
- You can also use the website if you are unable to contact a loved one who may have been affected.
- Find more information about recovering from a natural disaster here.
Emergency services
If you need assistance during a flood event, call your local State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 or Triple Zero in a life-threatening situation.