For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES
translate keyboard_arrow_down

Flood

Floods are one of the most costly, dangerous and deadly natural disasters in NSW. NSW has a long history of flooding, with Indigenous stories of flooding tracing back thousands of years.

Flooded house in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley area.

Prepare, respond and recover from a flood

Floods are one of the most costly, dangerous and deadly natural disasters in NSW. NSW has a long history of flooding, with Indigenous stories of flooding tracing back thousands of years. It is important to know how to prepare for flood and make a plan for you and your family.

Know your risk

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 floods and Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm warnings for possible flash flooding.
  • You may not always receive an official warning. The natural signs of floods and flash floods 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 floods are 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 floods. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions during floods.

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 floods.
  • Share and practice your emergency plan with family, friends and neighbours.

Plan to respond

Floods 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 floods. 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. 

Learn more about floods

 A couple and their daughter reading a guide about the importance of creating an emergency plan.

While every flood is different, common flooding events in NSW include riverine and flash flooding. 

Cars driving through a flooded road.

Flash floods are sudden and dangerous. Knowing your local flash flood risk will help you plan, prepare, respond and recover better.

Community members look out to river

It is important that communities that live behind a levee know about the levee, how it works and understand their risk.

Floods in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Region is a flood prone area. Here's how to prepare ahead of time to reduce your risk.

Be prepared with these apps

Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts advice and help from emergency services.

Hazards Near Me

Set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions.

Live Traffic
Plan ahead and see what hazards are impacting your route on NSW roads.
Emergency Plus
The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services.