During a flood
When a Flood Warning is issued, there are a few things you can do to protect your family and property:
- Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
- Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top
- Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
- Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
- Activate your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
- Keep in contact with your neighbours
- Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services
- Act early as roads may become congested or close
When a Prepare to Evacuate - Watch and Act is issued
When a Prepare to Evacuate – Watch and Act is issued you should prepare to evacuate. Staying inside a house, even one which you think is high enough, may be very dangerous. If you are warned to evacuate it is always safest to move to a location away from the flood affected area before floodwater arrives.
- Locate important papers, valuables and mementos. Put them in your Emergency Kit
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
- Follow instructions given to you by emergency services
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued and you leave your house:
- Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles
- Take your pets with you
- Never enter or travel through floodwater
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
- Follow your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
- Follow all instructions given to you by emergency services
During flash floods
When flash flooding is likely, it is best to leave low-lying homes and businesses (evacuation) well before flash flooding begins, but only if it is safe to do so. If you are trapped by rising floodwater, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building.
Stay there and call '000' (triple zero) if you need rescue.
Learn what you can do after flooding has occurred