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:
1. Know your risk
- Find out about the local flood history
- Know the heights at which your home, business and/or property could be affected by floodwater
- Contact your local council if you want more information on how flooding could directly affect your property
- Talk with people who have been in the area a long time for about their experiences of floods locally
- Be aware of the natural signs of flooding
- Know how you may be warned of possible flooding
2. Know where to go
- Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which your evacuation route may be cut
- Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area
- Check with friends and relatives outside the flood prone area to organise a place to go
3. Know who to call
- For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500
- Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge)
- In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)
4. Know your plan
- To help households and businesses plan for flooding, the NSW SES has developed a Home Emergency Plan and Business FloodSafe Toolkit:
- Complete, share and practice your plan with family and neighbours
- Review your plan annually and after flood events
5. Get your kit together
6. Prepare now to act early
- Talk with your local NSW SES members about being FloodSafe
- Know the triggers, warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly
- Practice your plan and share it with neighbours
7. Check your insurance
- Make sure your insurance is suitable to your situation and risk
- Check the coverage is adequate
- Make sure your insurance is current
8. Listen to local radio
- Listen to local radio for information, updates and advice
- Information will also be posted through social media
Shortly before a flood
If you live or work in a flood‐prone area there are simple things you can do when a Flood Watch is issued to prepare for floods:
- Listen to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
- Locate and check your Emergency Kit
- Check on your neighbours and make sure they are aware of the Flood Watch
- Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
- Locate and get ready to activate your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
