During a flood
What to do during floods
If your area is at risk, go to high ground away from flooded areas.
Never enter floodwater. If it’s flooded, forget it.
The major cause of death during floods is from people entering or travelling through floodwater. This includes driving, riding and walking through floodwater and children playing in floodwater.
- Floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it appears and contain hidden snags or debris.
- Floodwater may contain chemicals, raw sewage, snakes, spiders and much more that could cause illness and even death.
- Roads and surfaces underneath floodwater often wash away and may not be visible from the surface.
Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
When a Flood Warning is issued
- Stack possessions, 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 home or business emergency 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.
- Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
For more information on what to do during a flood, download the During a Flood Factsheet in the resources section.
When a Prepare to Evacuate - Watch and Act is issued
When a Prepare to Evacuate - Watch and Act is issued, you should prepare to evacuate. Staying inside a house, even one which you think is high enough, may be very dangerous. If you are warned to evacuate it is always safest to move to a location away from the flood affected area before floodwater arrives.
- Locate important papers, valuables and mementos. Put them in your emergency kit.
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
- Follow instructions given to you by Emergency Services.
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued and you leave your house:
- Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles.
- Take your pets with you.
- Never enter or travel through floodwater.
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
- Follow your home or business emergency plan.
- Follow all instructions given to you by Emergency Services.
- Stay with family or friends, if possible.
- Evacuation Centres may be set up if an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued.
- Choose the safest route to travel where roads along the route are open.
- Roads may become congested or close, ensure you leave enough time to travel safely.
For information on roads, contact your local council for local road closures.