Flood
Floods can occur almost anywhere in Queensland and can rise over days, or in minutes in a 'flash flood'. Don't enter floodwater—even water 30cm deep could sweep you off your feet.
After heavy rain in your area…
- Keep informed about weather patterns and weather forecasts and act quickly on any advice
- Stay away from rivers, creeks and drains
- Get to higher ground
- Never try to drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
Warnings
Check the Bureau of Meteorology for:
- flood warnings—occurring or expected
- warnings for severe storms or cyclones that may cause flash flooding.
When you hear a flood or storm warning:
- activate your emergency plan
- stay tuned in to warnings and updates on your radio
- move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to higher ground
- sandbag indoor drains to prevent sewage backflow
- plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens your home (e.g. fridge and freezer)
- make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked
- secure your pets.
Evacuation
If you need to evacuate, follow the evacuation tips in your emergency plan.
If you need to evacuate…
- Pack warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be taken with your emergency kit.
- Raise furniture, clothing and valuables on to beds, tables and into roof spaces
- Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open
- Turn off power, water and gas
- Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back-flow
- Lock your home and take recommended evacuation routes for your area
- Don't drive in water of unknown depth and current.
If you stay (or when you return)…
- Listen to your local radio station for official advice and warnings
- Don't allow children to play in, or near floodwater
- Avoid entering floodwater. If you must, wear solid shoes and check the depth and current with a stick
- Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee-deep
- Don't use gas or electrical appliances that have been in floodwater until checked for safety
- Don't eat food that has been in floodwater
- Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.