The news of people losing their lives, homes and livestock in the current flood crisis that has enveloped vast areas of Queensland and New South Wales has been shocking and devastating in equal measures.
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For those in areas where the rain is about to hit, many have been left wondering how best to prepare.
There are a number of online resources that offer checklists and advice for flood preparation in the event of evacuation. Bureau of Meteorology has this useful and comprehensive guide while the SES offers the following checklist:
1. Know your risk
- Find out about the local flood history
- Know the heights at which your home, business and/or property could be affected by floodwater
- Contact your local council if you want more information on how flooding could directly affect your property
- Talk with people who have been in the area a long time about their experiences of floods locally
- Be aware of the natural signs of flooding
- Know how you may be warned of possible flooding
2. Know where to go
- Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which your evacuation route may be cut
- Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area
- Check with friends and relatives outside the flood-prone area to organise a place to go
3. Know who to call
- For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500
- Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge)
- In a lifethreatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)
4. Know your plan
- To help households and businesses plan for flooding, the NSW SES has developed Emergency Plan templates:
- Complete, share and practise your plan with family and neighbours
- Review your plan annually and after flood events
5. Get your kit together
- Put together an emergency kit for your home or business
6. Prepare now to act early
- Talk with your local NSW SES members about being FloodSafe
- Know the triggers, warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly
- Practice your plan and share it with neighbours
7. Check your insurance
- Make sure your insurance is suitable to your situation and risk
- Check the coverage is adequate
- Make sure your insurance is current
8. Listen to local radio
- Listen to local radio for information, updates and advice
- Information will also be posted through social media
Put together an Emergency Kit
An Emergency Kit can help save precious time in an emergency situation. It provides items you might need if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry.
Your emergency kit contents:
- Portable radio with spare batteries
- Torch with spare batteries
- First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
- Candles and waterproof matches
- Important papers including emergency contact numbers
- Copy of any Home Emergency Plans
- Waterproof bag for valuables
When leaving or evacuating your property, place in your emergency kit:
- A good supply of required medications
- Any special requirements and supplies for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly
- Appropriate clothing and footwear
- Fresh food and drinking water
Keep your emergency kit in a waterproof storage container.
On a regular basis, check your emergency kit (remember to check use-by dates on batteries and gloves) and restock items if you need to.
Also, keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone or on your fridge.
Have important documents packed:
Important documents may include
- Wills
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Banking and financial records, etc.
- Medical records
- Contact details of family or loved ones
Have these stored in a secure location and ready to be packed in a waterproof bag for inclusion in your emergency kit if you need to evacuate
NSW SES advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
