Do you have a flood plan?
If you live, work or are visiting a flood-prone area, it’s important to plan ahead. Follow these precautionary steps to protect yourself and loved ones.
Understand your environment
If you are new to the area, you can contact your local council to find out about historical flood locations and how flooding might affect your property.
You should also find out about the heights at which your home or business could be affected by floodwater.
Speaking with people who have been in the area a long time about their experiences of floods locally can also help you understand the natural signs of flooding and how you might be warned of possible flooding.
For further information on what risks you might face in your area, visit the SES website.
Know where to go in case of emergency
Plan the safest route to travel in the event you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which flooding might cut off your evacuation route.
Find your closest recovery centre using the Flood map.
Organise with friends and relatives a place to stay outside of the flood-prone area.
Save emergency phone numbers
Keep local emergency numbers handy (put them in your mobile phone and on your fridge).
Call the NSW SES on 132 500 for emergency help in floods and storms.
Call Triple Zero (000) in a life‐threatening emergency.
Have a plan
Develop a plan using the NSW SES Emergency Planner.
Once you have completed your plan, share it with family and neighbours. Remember to review your plan annually and after flood events.
Pack an emergency kit
Preparing an emergency kit can save vital time in an emergency, especially if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry.
An emergency kit should contain:
- portable radio with spare batteries
- torch with spare batteries
- first aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
- candles and waterproof matches
- important papers including emergency contact numbers
- copy of your emergency plan
- waterproof bag for valuables
- any required medications
- any special requirements and supplies for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly
- appropriate clothing and footwear
- fresh food and drinking water.
Keep your emergency kit in waterproof storage. Set quarterly reminders to review your emergency kit, check use-by dates on perishable items and restock items if you need to.
Make a plan for your animals
Visit SES for more information on how to plan for large animals, livestock or pets.
Prepare to act early
Talk with your local NSW SES members and find out about the warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly.
Regularly review and practice your plan and share it with neighbours and relatives so that they will be aware of your movements in case of emergency.
Check your insurance
Make sure that your insurance is up to date and that the level of cover is adequate for your situation and risk.
Monitor for emergency alerts
Listen to local radio stations for up-to-date advice. Check the local SES social media channels for news and alerts.
Enter your suburb to find current alerts impacting your local area.