What to do in a flood

What to do in a case of the flooding?

There are a number of things that you can do to make sure you and your property stay safe during flooding. Remember, for flood emergency assistance from the SES call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple-zero (000).

What to do during minor flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during minor flooding:

• Stay Informed – monitor local conditions and be aware of the situation
• Farmers should prepare to move machinery and livestock to higher ground
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• Ensure your family members and neighbours are aware of the situation
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do during moderate flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during moderate flooding:

• Act Quickly – conditions can change rapidly
• Farmers should move machinery and livestock to higher ground if it is still safe to do so
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• If you are likely to become isolated, make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do during major flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during major flooding:

• Act Quickly – conditions can change rapidly
• Be prepared to evacuate if advised by authorities
• If you are likely to become isolated, make sure that you have enough food, water, medication and pet food, and be aware that you may need to live without power, water and sewerage
• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• Block toilets, household drains, sinks and plugs to stop sewerage backflow
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do if you need to evacuate

Use the following guidelines during an evacuation:

• Act Now – take immediate precautions to protect your life and property
• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground
• Collect together medicines, important documents, mementos, photos and pets and take them with you when you evacuate
• Take three days’ supply of clothing and medications with you
• Turn off electricity and gas at the mains and lock you doors and windows when you evacuate
• Remaining in your home or business during flooding is dangerous and may put your life at risk

Resources:

The following resources are available to help you before, during and after a flood emergency:

• Emergency Toolkit.pdf (560 KB)
• FloodSafe Guide – How to Plan and Prepare for Floods.pdf (2.5 MB)
• Floods and Storms After Fires Guide.pdf (554 KB)
• Rural FloodSafe Guide.pdf (254 KB)
• Caravan Park Occupants Flood Guide.pdf (286 KB)

Reference guides on using sandbags:

• Sandbag Quick Reference Guide.pdf (168 KB)
• Statewide Guideline – Sandbags.pdf (159 KB)
  Guidelines for the procurement, storage, distribution, use and disposal of sandbags during flood emergencies
• Watch a video that will show you how to sandbag your home to help reduce the impact of floods. It explains the different types; when to use them; and how to fill them, lay them safely and dispose of them afterwards