Upgrading practices in the field of flood warnings

Keys, C. (1992) presented at the 32nd Annual Conference of the NSW Flood Mitigation Authorities, Bankstown

This paper traces the development of flood warning systems in New South Wales (NSW) from their nineteenth century origins to the present day. It suggests that in the modern era there is a widespread but mistaken belief that flood warnings are synonymous with flood height predictions. Such predictions are, of course, vital to effective warning systems, but equally vital are local appreciations of the consequences of flooding at the predicted heights, advice on how people should cope with the coming flood, and means of ensuring that the warnings are actually received by those who need them. Unfortunately, these elements of the optimal flood warning system are not equally well developed in NSW. Flood intelligence systems exist in only a rudimentary state in many flood prone areas, and warning messages do not always assist people in their responses to flooding. Moreover, warnings often fail to reach those who could benefit from them. Recent initiatives designed to rectify these problems are outlined.

Download the research paper for more information.