Floods occur with monotonous regularity in Australia and have caused many deaths. Floods can result from a violent and heavy deluge of rain or they can arrive with plenty of advance warning. If you live in a flood prone area and storms and heavy rain are predicted, there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your property. • Have a battery powered radio nearby to listen to weather reports. • Have a torch ready. • Turn off electricity and gas. • Move valuable documents or other valuable and sentimental items to higher ground or a higher level of the house. • Fill sinks and bathtub with clean drinking water. • Bring outdoor furniture or items inside or secure them. • Evacuate when asked to.
Prepare an emergency kit to take with you: • Torch and radio with batteries. • Non-perishable food • Bottled water • Can and bottle opener • First aid kit and medications • Wet weather clothes
• Do not walk or drive through flooded ground. • Be on the lookout for snakes and other animals. • Look out for downed power lines. • If possible contact the State Emergency Services and establish the nearest evacuation centre.