What to do immediately after a flood
Steps to help you recover after a major flooding event, once you're no longer in immediate danger.
Safety first
Ensure you, your family, neighbours and pets are safe. If people are missing, or if you're in a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Use the Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite service to let people know you're safe and to find other people who have registered as safe.
Seek medical help and urgent support
Stay calm. Attend to physical injuries and emotional distress. Seek emergency medical help and other services, if required.
- Find doctors and other health services near you.
- Staying healthy after floods and storms.
- If you are isolated and require essential items such as food, fuel or medicine, call NSW SES on 132 500.
- Mental health support and resources.
- If you need an interpreter, call the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450.
Shut off damaged utilities
The SES will issue an 'all clear' when it’s safe to return to an area after an evacuation. Visit the SES to monitor notices. Do not go back to your property if the emergency is still active.
Don't enter a damaged building or structure, unless authorities tell you it is safe.
If your property is damaged or unsafe, you may not be able to stay there. Secure your property and call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to organise temporary accommodation.
When you can enter your home, make sure you:
- take great care around electricity, gas and water. Follow the SES Electricity Safety Tips and advice on other services.
- shut off damaged utilities.
Find out how to avoid risks during clean up.
Secure your ID and other important documents
Try to locate your essential documents and identification.
If they've been lost or destroyed, you can apply to have ID and personal documents replaced for free.
Assess property damage
If you can still live in your property but critical repairs are required:
- take photos of the damage
- secure your valuables
- reach out for legal and insurance support.
Get financial and help
If your local area is declared as impacted by a disaster, you may be able to get financial assistance from the government.
Learn more about floods grants and other support.
You should also:
- save receipts related to anything you spend on property repairs
- watch out for home repair scams
- contact your insurer about your policy and to submit a claim, if applicable
- check financial support available for your circumstances.