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> What you should do
 
What
you should do
There are
a number of simple things that you and your family can do to stay
safe and protect your property.
Before the
flooding occurs
What
you should do:
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Ask your
local Council about flood plans (or records) for your area.
These plans should identify problem areas and potential flood
heights. |
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If your
home is in a flood-prone area, consider alternatives to carpets
(eg removable rugs). |
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In ground
level homes, brick and tiled walls are less likely to be damaged
and are more easily cleaned. |
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Check
if house and contents are covered against flooding. |
Prepare
an emergency kit containing:
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A portable
radio, torch and spare batteries. |
Three metres of floodwater cross roads
regularly in flood affected areas. 1 |
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Stocks
of fresh water and canned food. |
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Matches,
fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, utensils, and can
opener. |
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Waterproof
bags for clothing and valuables. |
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A
first aid kit, manual and masking tape for windows. |
Keep a list
of emergency phone numbers handy, including numbers for your local
Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Local Council,
Gas and Electricity Company and relatives.
Check your
local Council's disaster plan for action you should take during
a flood.
When floods hit
What
you should do:
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Listen
to your local radio station for warnings and advice. |
Flooding caused by Cyclone Justin. |
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Don't
use your phone unless it is essential. |
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Prepare
to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and
poisons to higher locations. |
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Consider
which indoor items you will raise (eg furniture, clothing
etc.) or empty (refrigerators, freezers etc.) if water threatens
to enter your home. |
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Check
your emergency kit and consider what you will do with your
pets. |
If you need to evacuate
What you should
do:
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If you
decide to leave of your own accord, make sure you tell the
Police or your local State Emergency Service as well as your
neighbours. |
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Make
sure you pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables,
personal papers, photos and valuables in waterproof bags,
to be taken with your emergency kit. |
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Raise
your furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and
the roof space (place electrical items as high as possible). |
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Empty
and turn off refrigerators and freezers, leaving the doors
open to help prevent them floating about. |
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Turn
off the power, water and gas and remember to take your mobile
phone. |
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Whether
you leave or stay, put sandbags in toilet bowls and over all
laundry/bathroom drain-holes to prevent sewage back-flow. |
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Lock
your home (remembering to take your keys) and take the recommended
evacuation routes for your area. |
After the flood
What
you should do:
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Continue
to listen to the local radio station for advice. |
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Don't
allow children to play in or near flood waters. |
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Avoid
entering flood waters. If you do have to enter floodwaters,
wear solid shoes and check the depth and current with a stick.
Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee-depth. |
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Don't
use gas or electrical appliances that have been in flood water
until they have been checked for safety. |
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Don't
eat food that has been in flood water. |
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Boil
tap water until water supplies have been declared safe. |
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Inspect
your home for damage to determine what repairs are needed. |
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Wash,
clean and disinfect your home before moving back in. |
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Clean
up debris in and around your property and prepare for disposal. |
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If you
are suffering from trauma or loss, contact support services
to help you deal with the situation. |
Further
information about flooding:
1.
Photo courtesy of Cairns Post
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