The weather can change fast
Know what to do to prepare for flooding by contacting your local council or emergency authority.
Tips to prepare
Before a flood
- Find out the local flood history where you live, work or play
- Make an emergency plan and practice it with your family
- Identify an evacuation route and safe place in case of emergency
- Ensure local emergency numbers are on your mobile phone
- Gather an emergency kit together for your home.
During a flood
- Activate your emergency plan
- Be prepared to leave your home if an evacuation order issued by emergency authorities
- Keep in contact with family, friends and neighbours
- Listen to the radio for emergency information and updates
- Secure any property that may float away or cause damage
- Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwater, there may be hidden hazards
- Ensure any chemicals or poisons are safety stowed above floor level.
Evacuating your home
Emergency authorities will issue an evacuation order when you must vacate your home.
- Follow all instructions given to you by emergency authorities
- It is important to keep listening to the radio for emergency information and updates. Take a portable radio with you
- Turn off electricity and gas at the mains
- Secure gas bottles
- Take your pets
- Gather important documents or irreplaceable valuables.
After a flood
Emergency authorities will let you know when it is safe to return to your home.
- Do not turn the electricity or gas on at the mains until the building is safe to enter
- Use a torch to check for damage to windows, walls and the roof
- Electrical appliances and systems should be checked by a qualified electrician if they have been in contact with floodwater
- Throw away food that has been exposed to floodwater
- Use bottled drinking water.