What to do During a Flood

Knowing what you will do during a flood is something you need to prepare for when it is not flooding. Visit the SES Preparing now, when it is not flooding information page to assist you in doing this.

Being aware of potential flooding in your area is also a key preparedness measure. Visit the How you will be advised of a flood information page to find out how you can be informed of possible flooding.

Knowing environmental cues of possible flooding is also an important way to be informed. Heavy rainfall may be an indicator. Keeping in contact with friends and neighbours and passing on information can also help you, your family, workmates, friends and neighbours be better prepared.

Being prepared for possible flooding will help you act and be more responsive to what needs to be done to help minimise the loss and impacts associated with flooding, including avoiding loss of life.

Follow all instructions given to you by the emergency services and remember to never drive, ride, walk or allow children to play in floodwater.

What to do just before a flood

When a Flood Watch is issued or when there is the possibility of flooding, the SES advises:

Residents

• Locate and activate your Home FloodSafe Plan (developed by using the NSW SES Home FloodSafe Toolkit)
• Listen to the local radio for information, updates and advice
• Locate and check your emergency kit
• Check on your neighbours and make sure they are aware of possible flooding
• Move pets, including agisted animals to higher ground
• Follow all advice given by the emergency services

Visit the Community FloodSafe Guide

Visit the Home FloodSafe Toolkit

Businesses

• Locate and activate your Business FloodSafe Plan (developed by using the NSW SES Business FloodSafe Toolkit)
• Where possible, back up records and store off‐site
• Make preparations to raise or relocate stock, records and equipment
• Find out about evacuation routes for your business and make sure your employees know when they are likely to close. This will ensure they can leave safely if flooding occurs
• Check to make sure neighbouring businesses are aware of possible flooding

Visit the Business FloodSafe Toolkit

Rural Properties

• Relocate livestock and farm equipment, including pumps, to high ground
• Check sheds and outbuildings
• Equipment, feed and chemicals should be raised or moved to high ground
• If isolation is likely, have sufficient non‐perishable food, essential medications, fuel and other necessities to last at least a week. Remember to include pet food and/or stock feed if required

Visit the Rural Properties FloodSafe Guide

Caravan Park Owners and Managers

• Ensure park occupants are aware of possible flooding
• Closely monitor flood levels and be ready to move vans to high ground
• Plan to move vans and equipment to high ground early by ensuring they are in a moveable condition and moving equipment is available

Visit the Caravan Park FloodSafe Guide for owners and managers

Caravan Park Occupants

• Prepare your van to be moved to a safe location by ensuring it is in a moveable condition
• Keep in contact with other park occupants and management

What to do when you know a flood is coming

When a Flood Warning is issued or when flooding is imminent, the SES advises:

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater

Floodwater can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears. It can contain hidden snags, debris and contaminants such as sewage, chemicals and dead animals.

Floodwater can erode road surfaces. Entering floodwater is the major cause of death during floods 

Residents

• Stack possessions 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
• Follow your Home 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

Visit the Community FloodSafe Guide

Visit the Home FloodSafe Toolkit

Businesses

• Stack 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 Business FloodSafe Plan
• Make sure your staff and customers are aware of flooding and that they can leave safely
• Keep listening to the radio for information, updates and advice

Visit the Business FloodSafe Toolkit

Rural properties

• Lift farm items onto benches and tables, placing electrical items on top
• Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
• Relocate stock fodder to higher ground  

Visit the Rural Property FloodSafe Guide

Caravan Park Owners and Managers:

• Ensure no people remain in on‐site vans which are likely to be inundated
• If vans are non-relocatable, ensure they are secured to prevent floatation during floods
• Advise residents to place possessions high up in van with electrical items on top

Visit the Caravan Park FloodSafe Guide for site owners and managers  

Caravan Park Occupants:

• Inform other occupants of any Flood Warnings
• Prepare vans for possible relocation
• Follow instructions given by the Park Manager or Operator
• Evacuate before the flood, do not remain inside a van surrounded by floodwater