Flood

Know your risk

• Local flood risks can be found by visiting the Local information page or the Local Flood Insights page.
• Your Local Council, also listed on your Local information page, will have specific flood information relevant to your property.
• Talk with your local NSW SES Unit, also listed on your Local information page, about the local flood risks.
• Talk with community organisations and long-term residents about the local flood risks.
• Local Flood Plans are also available and will be listed on your Local information page.

Know the warnings

• The NSW SES will issue warnings for flooding using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings. 
• The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Flood Watches and Flood Warnings for riverine flooding and Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm warnings for possible flash flooding.
• You may not always receive an official warning. The natural signs of a flood and flash flooding can include rushing or pooling water and heavy rainfall.
• Flooding can cause isolation. Stock up on food, water, medical supplies and pet care for lengthy periods of time if you are expected to be isolated.

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.

Download for iOS | Download for Android

Make a plan

You need to plan for all possible flood impacts and make decisions on what you will do across different flood scenarios.

Things to think about include:

• What to do, where to go, how to get there and what to take if a flood is predicted to submerge your property, or if your area is asked to prepare to evacuate or asked to evacuate immediately.
• What to do and what you need if you will be isolated.
• Can you lift items or sandbag your property? Secure any items that may float.
• Do you need to plan for animals, stock, equipment or other important items?

NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during a flood. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions during a flood.

Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool or download the Emergency Kit Checklist to help you prepare your emergency kit.

Look after each other

• Help your family, friends and neighbours by planning and preparing for a flood.
• Share and practice your emergency plan with family, friends and neighbours.

Plan to respond

A flood can have different impacts depending on the severity. You need to get ready based on predictions to keep people and property safe.

• Review your emergency plan.
• Locate your emergency kit and add medications, supplies for babies, pets and others, clothing, footwear, food and water.
• Monitor media outlets for information, updates and advice. Monitor Hazards Near Me for current NSW SES warnings.
• When flash flooding is likely, the best action to take is to leave low-lying homes and businesses (evacuation) well before flooding begins, but only if it is safe to do so.
• NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during a flood. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions.

For more information on what do to during a flood, visit the During a flood page.

Plan to recover

When returning to your property

• NSW SES will advise it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area.
• Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be especially cautious of potential contaminants including asbestos.
• Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside. Use a torch to carry out inspections inside buildings.
• If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater and floodwaste, or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
• Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use.
• Wear suitable protective clothing, including boots and gloves, when cleaning up.
• Be aware of any slip, trip or fall hazards.
• Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater and floodwaste.
• Only use clean utensils and personal items.
• Have a supply of fresh drinking water.

Visit the Recovery page for more information on recovery from an emergency.