In the event of flooding, listen to radio and television broadcasts to receive more information.

Stay informed

Continue to listen for more weather warnings. Floods can often have more than one peak. Officials will issue public safety notices on such things as contaminated water supplies.

Help neighbours

Help injured or trapped neighbours. If the situation is life threatening, call 000 for an emergency response.

Any assistance neighbours can provide to each other will relieve the strain on emergency services who will be stretched to the limit.

Beware electrical dangers

Be wary of fallen power lines, damaged buildings, unstable tree branches, and hidden dangers associated with any flooding. Treat all power lines as live and keep your distance from them. Notify Ergon Energy of fallen lines.

Food safety

If the power has been out for some time, perishable food may have started to go off. Throw away any food that has come into contact with floodwaters.

Water safety

Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until advised by the local council that supplies are safe. Contaminated floodwater may have entered the mains system contaminating the drinking water and making it unfit for human consumption.

Sewage overflows

Sewage overflows in residential properties can occur during heavy downpours due to the additional inflow of stormwater.

Contact the council who can control overflows and pump them back into the system. Dilution and disinfection will then be carried out. The council will ring all residents after the clean up to ensure they are satisfied with the job carried out.

Limit phone calls

Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Arrange to have one family member or friend outside of the impacted area call others to let them know of your situation. Demands on the telephone system for emergency calls will be high and parts of the system may be damaged.

Fire hazards

Check for broken or leaking gas cylinders. Damaged electrical circuits or appliances could create a fire danger.

Documentation

Take pictures of the damage to the building both inside and out for evidence in insurance claims.