Before the flood checklist
If you live in a flood-prone area, here are 5 things to do so you're prepared:
Find out if you're at risk
Check the Australian Flood Risk Information Portal to see if you live in a flood-prone area. You can also call your local council and talk to people who have been in the area for a long time for more insight. This could allow you to prevent more damage from occurring if something happens.
Pack supplies
Pack a household emergency and evacuation kit and store it safely in your home somewhere. This should include:
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Essential toiletries
- Drinking water (enough for 3 days)
- A battery-powered radio (including more batteries)
- Important documents including passport and insurance information
- Warm clothing, bedding and pillows
- Non perishable food (tinned food)
- A can opener if necessary
- Waterproof bags
Check your insurance
Car and home insurance policies won't generally cover you for floods if you take out a policy within 72 hours of the weather event occurring. To ensure you're covered in case something happens and your home is damaged, take out insurance that covers floods.
Have emergency contact numbers handy
Save local emergency numbers on your phone so you know who to call if you need help. Call 132 500 for flood, storm or tsunami help. In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000.
Prepare your home
Keep up to date with the weather forecast. If the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe weather warning, and it's still safe to do so, secure all loose outdoor items, like furniture and garden tools, and make safe any potential hazards inside your home – for example, tall cabinets or bookshelves. If possible, you should also charge your phone before the bad weather hits. Some states have developed emergency plan templates for homes and businesses which can be helpful to go through well in advance of a flood.
