FloodSafe 8 Tips: Things you can do before a flood

If you live, work or visit a flood‐prone area there are 8 tips you can do NOW to prepare for floods:

1. Know your risk

• Find out about the local flood history
• Know the heights at which your home, business and/or property could be affected by floodwater
• Contact your local council if you want more information on how flooding could directly affect your property
• Talk with people who have been in the area a long time about their experiences of floods locally
• Be aware of the natural signs of flooding
• Know how you may be warned of possible flooding

2. Know where to go

• Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which your evacuation route may be cut
• Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area
• Check with friends and relatives outside the flood-prone area to organise a place to go

3. Know who to call

• For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500
• Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge)
• In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)

4. Know your plan

• To help households and businesses plan for flooding, the NSW SES has developed Emergency Plan templates:

             NSW SES Emergency Plans

• Complete, share and practise your plan with family and neighbours
• Review your plan annually and after flood events

5. Get your kit together

• Put together an emergency kit for your home or business

            Get your kit together 

6. Prepare now to act early

• Talk with your local NSW SES members about being FloodSafe
• Know the triggers, warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly
• Practice your plan and share it with neighbours

7. Check your insurance

• Make sure your insurance is suitable to your situation and risk
• Check the coverage is adequate
• Make sure your insurance is current

8. Listen to local radio

• Listen to local radio for information, updates and advice
• Information will also be posted through social media