Flood, Storm and Tsunami Plans

How does NSW SES plan for floods, storms and tsunami?

Returning to your property after a flood?

The SES will issue 'Reduced Threat: Return with Caution - Advice' when it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area, previously subject to an evacuation.

Learn more about floods

If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low‐lying area, you may be at risk from floods.

Using sandbags to protect your home

Learn how to sandbag your home to help reduce the impact of floods.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley will flood again.

Find out more about your local flood risk and how you can prepare.

Do you live behind a Levee?

Learn how dangerous flooding can result behind a levee when it is over topped or breached.

The dangers of flash flooding

The major cause of death during flash floods is by people entering flash floodwater.

Georges River has flooded before. It will happen again.

Find out more about your local flood risk and actions you can take to prepare.

Before a flood

What's your plan?

Before a flood

One of the most important things you can do now is to plan for future emergencies.

Remember, it is important to protect your family from storms and minimise damage to your property.  By planning, you and your household know what to do before, during and after storms. 

If you live, work or visit a flood‐prone area there are 8 tips you can do NOW to prepare for floods:

 

Read our 8 tips for preparing for a flood here.

 

Find out your local flood risk here and what you can do to prepare.

Northern NSW and Sydney river flood resources now available.

For Schools

The NSW SES is committed to building resilience in floods in NSW communities. New program now available.

What's your flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean floodplain?

Find out how floods have affected your area and learn what you can do to prepare.

Do You Live Behind a Levee?

Dangerous flooding can result behind a levee when it is over topped or breached. Learn more...

The dangers of flash flooding

If you live, work or regularly travel in a flash flood area, there may be no official warning for flash floods.

How does NSW SES plan for Floods, Storms and Tsunami?

The NSW SES undertakes flood, storm and tsunami planning as a legislative responsibility to determine how to best respond in times of emergency.

Know Your Risk

If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low‐lying area, you may be at risk from floods.

Plan Now For What You Will Do

One of the most important things you can do now is to plan for future flood events.

Things you can do before a flood

There are some simple things you can do now to prepare for floods and minimise potential risk to life, damage and associated costs

Be Aware

There are a range of official warnings and natural warning signs to be aware of in case flooding affects you in future.

During a flood

FloodSafe for rural areas

The effects of flooding on rural property owners include losses to livestock, crops, fencing, buildings, personal items, farm equipment and machinery. Learn what to do before and during floods.

Using sandbags to protect your home

Sandbags will not stop the water completely but can reduce the amount of water entering your home. During low level flooding, sandbags placed in the right locations around your home can reduce the impact of flooding.

The dangers of flash flooding

If you live, work or regularly travel in a flash flood area, there may be no official warning for flash floods.

Know Your Risk

There are plenty of risks that can affect you in a flood.

Learn more

Plan Now For What You Will Do

Discussing your plans, even at the last minute, can help ensure you and your family are safe during a flood.

Prepare Your Home and Business

When flooding is likely or imminent, there are a few things you can do to protect your family and property

Be Aware

Be aware of the different ways you might be warned of flooding in your area

Look Out For Each Other

Look out for each other when flooding is imminent

After a flood

After flooding

The NSW SES will issue 'Reduced Threat: Return with Caution - Advice' when it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area, previously subject to an 'Evacuate Now/Before - Emergency Warning'. Read more

Returning to your property after a flood

There are little things you can do to manage some of the risks that remain when you return to an affected property following a flood.

Next steps toward recovery

In NSW, recovery following a disaster is managed by a range of organisations. The NSW SES has produced a recovery guide to help you take the next steps towards recovery from floods, storms and tsunami.

 

Cleaning up after a flood

This page contains some useful tips and practical information to help households start the clean up after wind and water damage.

Disaster Relief and Support

If you have been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for Disaster relief assistance and support from the NSW Government.

Recovery information for residents returning to their property after a flood

When you return to your home or business after a flood, the task of where to start can be overwhelming.

Download this recovery guide to help you get on your feet, safely and quickly.

Cleaning up after a disaster

This page contains some useful tips and practical information to help households start the clean up after wind and water damage.

What you can do to help

After floods there are a range of things you can do to look out for each other.

News

Previous Next See all news

Upcoming community events

1650 Wisemans Ferry Road, Central Mangrove
Westy's Place Field Day, Central Coast Harvest Festival

Westy's Place Field Day, Central Coast Harvest Festival

Saturday

10/06/23 9:30 to 10/06/23 15:00

Make sure you visit the SES Display staffed by NSW SES volunteers from Gosford Unit. We'll have kids activities and hand-outs to help you and your family better understand and prepare for emergencies such as storms and floods.

20 Smidmore St, Marrickville NSW 2204
"Festiville" - Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre

"Festiville" - Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre

Sunday

11/06/23 10:00 to 11/06/23 14:00

Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre are holding their annual "Festiville" event, and have invited the NSW SES - Marrickville Unit to attend. Head down next Sunday to learn more about storm and flood preparedness and meet our wonderful volunteers!

127 Tongarra Rd, Albion Park NSW 2527
Shellharbour City NSW SES Community Open Day

Shellharbour City NSW SES Community Open Day

Saturday

17/06/23 10:00 to 17/06/23 14:00

The Shellharbour City NSW SES Unit will be holding a Community Open Day. Come and meet Paddy Platypus and our friendly volunteers, learn about how to be safer in emergencies and disasters and view our interactive displays.

Lachlan’s Line, Jarvis Circuit
Ryde Neighbour Day

Ryde Neighbour Day

Saturday

17/06/23 10:00 to 17/06/23 14:00

Meet your local Ryde Unit SES emergency services, enjoy a free cup of coffee, a sausage sizzle, live music and face painting for kids. This is sure to be a fun day out to celebrate Neighbour Day within the City of Ryde. Bookings with Ryde Council are required for the free Family Skate Clinic part of the day only. Taronga Zoo Mobile at 10.30am,...

South Grafton Airfield, 60 Vere Street, South Grafton NSW 2460
Wings & Wheels - Grafton Aero Club

Wings & Wheels - Grafton Aero Club

Sunday

18/06/23 8:00 to 18/06/23 15:00

Make sure you visit the SES Display staffed by NSW SES volunteers from Clarence Coffs Capability Unit. We'll have activities and hand-outs to help you and your family better understand and prepare for emergencies such as storms and floods.

Swansea Men's Shed, Pacific Hwy Little Pelican, Swansea
Swansea Mens Shed Garage Sale / BBQ

Swansea Mens Shed Garage Sale / BBQ

Saturday

24/06/23 7:00 to 24/06/23 14:00

The Swansea NSW SES Unit will be at Swansea Men's Shed Garage Sale on Saturday, June 24th. Come and meet our friendly volunteers onsite and at the BBQ, learn about how to be safer in emergencies and disasters and even how to become a volunteer. Have the little ones jump into the replica SES vehicle for some fun and a great photo opportunity.

Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Tweed Byron Emergency Services Expo

Tweed Byron Emergency Services Expo

Saturday

01/07/23 7:00 to 01/07/23 16:00

Make sure you visit the SES Display staffed by NSW SES volunteers from Tweed Byron. We'll have activities and hand-outs to help you and your family better understand and prepare for emergencies such as storms and floods.

Coota Beach (Murray Street)
Cootamundra Beach Volleyball

Cootamundra Beach Volleyball

Saturday

17/02/24 0:00 to 18/02/24 0:00

Make sure you visit the SES Display staffed by NSW SES volunteers from Cootamundra Unit. We'll have activities and hand-outs to help you and your family better understand and prepare for emergencies such as storms and floods.

See all events