Preparing for Floods
Click on the links below to skip to information that may help you in a flood.
It's important if you live in a flood prone area to know the local history.
Make sure you know what the terms 'major', 'moderate' and 'minor' flooding mean to your area and at what 'official river height' your home becomes isolated or inundated. You should also get details of local flood plans, whether you may need to evacuate, and how to get to the nearest safe location. To find out more please contact us on 1300 368 333 or contact your local SES branch.
You'll find current flood warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology website. If there is a warning for your area you should:
- Listen to your local radio for further information
- Check that your neighbours know of the warning
- Stack furniture and possessions above the likely flood level e.g. on beds and in the roof
- Move garbage, chemicals, poisons etc to a high place
- Secure objects that could float and cause damage
- Move livestock to higher ground
- Check your car and fill with fuel
- Check our emergency kits and fresh water stocks
You may be advised to evacuate by local authorities, but if you leave of your own accord, tell Police, SES and your neighbours. In either case take the following actions:
- Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open (to avoid floating and subsequent damage)
- Collect and secure personal valuables, papers, money, photo albums and family mementos
- Turn off power, gas, water and take your emergency kit, and
- IMPORTANT: whether you leave or stay, place a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent back-flow of sewerage into your home.
If you remain in your home, or when you return, take these precautions:
- Keep your emergency kit safe and dry
- Do not eat food which has been in contact with flood water
- Boil all tap water until supplies have been declared safe
- Don't use gas or electrical appliances which have been flood affected, until they have been safety checked
- Beware of snakes and spiders which may move to drier areas in your house
- Avoid wading, even in shallow water, as it may be contaminated - if you must enter shallow flood water, where solid shoes and check the depth with a stick
- Check with Police for safe routes before driving anywhere, and don;t enter water without checking the depth and current
- Keep listening to your local radio station and heed all warnings and advice.
Contact council on 1300 368 333 for further information about services that can assist you after a flood.
Please call council on 1300 368 333 to report a drainage problem.
Major roads, such as Maroondah Highway or Warburton Highway, are managed by VicRoads, who can be contacted on 13 11 70
For more information visit the websites in the related links or contact us on 1300 368 333.