Flood Safety Tips

As the Hurricane Season approaches here are some important things to remember.

You need to:

• Understand the flood risk to your area.
• Prepare your home and property.
• Respond when water comes.
• Recover after a flood.

You can prepare for flooding in a number of ways:

• Check with your local council about local flood plans or records which detail problem areas.
• Ask authorities about relocation routes and centers.
• If your area is flood prone consider alternatives to carpets.
• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Prepare a household flood plan.
• Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers on display.
• Check your insurance policy to see if you are covered for flood damage?

If flooding is due make your safety a priority and if you have time try to prepare your property:

• Secure hazardous items.
• Roll up rugs, move furniture, electrical items and valuables to a higher level.
• Place important personal documents, valuables and vital medical supplies into a waterproof case in an accessible location.
• If you are relocating, take your pets with you if it is safe to do so. If not provide adequate food and water and move them to a safer place.
• Monitor Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts and warnings online and listen to your local ABC Radio.

Relocating to safer ground:

• Monitor your local radio for warnings and advice.
• Pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables and personal papers in waterproof bags along with your emergency kit.
• Raise furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and into roof space place electrical items in the highest place
• Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open to avoid damage or loss if they float.
• Turn off power, water and gas and take your mobile phone.
• Whether you leave or stay, put sand bags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back flow.
• Lock your home and take recommended relocation routes for your area.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.

Too late to leave:

• Monitor your local radio for warnings and advice
• Get to higher ground.
• Switch off electricity and gas supplies to your home.
• Prepare to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemical and poisons to higher locations.
• Prepare for the well being of pets.
• Raise furniture above likely flood levels.
• Check your emergency kit.
• Do not allow children to play in or near floodwaters.
• Avoid entering floodwaters,. if you must do so, wear solid shoes and check depth and current with a stick.
• Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee deep.
• Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been in floodwater until checked for safety.
• Do not eat food that has been in floodwaters.
• Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.