Floods

Know your risk

• If you live or work close to a river, water course, creek, drain, culvert or in a low-lying area, you may be at higher risk from flash floods even if you have never experienced them before.
• Flash floods can be several metres deep, rise quickly and move fast.
• Talk with neighbours, community members, local groups and organisations about the local flash flood risks.
• Know when your property and local roads are affected by flash floods. Identify the key triggers and actions you need to do, including safe roads to take if you need to leave.

Know the warnings

• The NSW SES will issue warning information through the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warnings for storms that can include the possibility of flash flooding.
• Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones to get these warnings.
• Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
• You may not always receive an official warning for flash floods. The natural signs can include rushing or pooling water and heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Know your plan

• To help households and businesses plan for flooding, the NSW SES has developed a Home Emergency Plan and Business FloodSafe Toolkit:

             Home Emergency Plan

             Business FloodSafe Toolkit 

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

Your Emergency Kit

An Emergency Kit can save valuable time during a crisis by providing essential items if you lose power or need to evacuate quickly.

Essential items for your emergency kit:

• Portable radio with spare batteries
• Torch with spare batteries
• First aid kit (tailored to your household needs)
• Candles and waterproof matches
• Important documents, including emergency contact numbers
• Copy of your Home Emergency Plan
• Waterproof bag for valuables

If evacuating, also include:

• Sufficient supply of necessary medications
• Items for babies, the elderly, disabled, or infirm
• Appropriate clothing and footwear
• Fresh food and drinking water

Store your emergency kit in a waterproof container. Regularly check its contents (e.g., batteries and expiry dates) and restock as needed. Keep a list of emergency numbers handy near your phone or on the fridge.

For more information on emergency kits see NSW SES website.

Act early

• When flash flooding is likely the best action to take is to leave low-lying homes and businesses (evacuation) well before flooding begins, but only if it is safe to do so.
• Bring children indoors during severe weather to avoid drains, culverts or creeks as rushing and pooling water can make these dangerous places.

Make safe decisions

• Leave early, before roads are closed by flash flooding and go to your safe place.
• If you are trapped by rising flash floods, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building or on high ground. Keep moving to stay above the flood height. Avoid roof cavities. Stay there and call triple zero (000) if you need rescue. This is a life-threatening situation.
• If you are trapped in your car by rising flash floods, seek refuge in the safest location. This may be in your car, on the roof or getting to higher ground. Keep moving to stay above the flood height. Call triple zero (000). This is a life-threatening situation.
• Turn around at flash flooded roads. Find a safer way to go.

Look out for each other

• Get to know your neighbours. Helping each other before, during and after disasters will help communities prepare, respond and recover better.
• Share flash flood risk information with your family, friends and neighbours.
• Support someone who may require further assistance.

Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero).

SES Flood Safe Guide - https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/media/6855/302471-flash-floodsafe-guide-59780w.pdf

Know Your Risk

• Never enter floodwater.
• Stay tuned to your local radio station for updates, information, and advice.
• Keep in contact with your support person and follow your Home FloodSafe Plan.
• Be ready to evacuate if advised.
• If possible, move your possessions onto benches and tables, placing electrical items at the highest points.
• Prepare pets for possible evacuation.

Make Safe Decisions

• Leave early, before flash floods block roads, and head to your safe place.
• If trapped by rising floodwaters, move to the highest part of a sturdy building or high ground. Avoid roof cavities, keep moving to stay above the water, and call Triple Zero (000) if you need rescue. This is a life-threatening situation.
• If trapped in your car by flash floods, find the safest refuge—whether in your car, on the roof, or by reaching higher ground. Keep moving to stay above the water and call Triple Zero (000). This is a life-threatening emergency.
• Turn around if you encounter flooded roads. Find a safer route.

What to do if flooding is imminent:

• Move to high ground immediately.
• Stay with family or friends if possible.
• Evacuation Centres may be set up if an "Evacuate Now" emergency warning is issued.
• Travel via the safest route, ensuring roads are open, and leave enough time to reach safety as roads may become congested or close.

Who to call:

• For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (Triple Zero).
• For help during floods, call NSW SES on 132 500. You can contact SES for rescue if trapped by floodwaters, assistance if floodwaters threaten your property, or resupply of essential items if isolated.

After a Flood: Returning to Your Property

• Before entering your property, ensure it's safe and structurally sound. Check for damage to windows, walls, and the roof, and be cautious of potential hazards like asbestos.
• Make sure that both electricity and gas are turned off before entering. Use a torch to inspect the interior rather than relying on electricity.
• If any electrical equipment, power outlets, or appliances have come into contact with floodwater, have them checked by a certified electrician before using them.
• Gas appliances and cylinders exposed to floodwaters should also be inspected to ensure they’re safe.
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as boots and gloves during clean-up efforts.
• Be aware of potential slip or trip hazards as you move through the area.
• Discard any food that has been contaminated by floodwater.
• Ensure that utensils and personal items are properly cleaned before use.
• Secure a clean supply of drinking water.

Understanding Post-Flood Risks

Several hazards remain after a flood that you should consider before re-entering a flooded area, including:

• Wildlife such as snakes and spiders that may have taken shelter inside.
• Structural damage to the property.
• Potential environmental contaminants.
• Electrical hazards from water-damaged circuits.
• Gas leaks from compromised lines or appliances.
• The risk of slipping or falling due to debris or water damage.
• Contaminated food and water supplies.
• Personal items like kitchenware and toiletries that may be unsafe to use.
• Hazardous materials like asbestos that could pose health risks.
• Mosquitoes carrying diseases.

Getting Ready to Return Home

 Before heading back home after a flood:

• Stock up on essential items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, and withdraw cash, as ATMs may be down and banks may be closed.
• Be prepared for possible detours or slow travel due to altered road conditions.
• Listen to local radio for updates on the emergency situation and any new risks.
• Wait for official guidance from emergency services before returning to flood-affected areas. Check with authorities to see if it's safe to recover any belongings.
• If possible, check on your neighbours to ensure their well-being, and let them know if you need help as well.
• Once communication lines are restored, inform family and friends that you’re safe.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and watch out for dangerous debris like broken glass and sharp objects.

For further details, download the Return with Caution Factsheet or visit the Red Cross website on post-disaster clean-up.

Disaster Recovery Assistance: Disaster Recovery Centres may be set up to offer support following major events. These centres provide a range of services, including financial aid, personal support, temporary accommodation, and referrals. If you need assistance following a flood, contact Disaster Welfare Services at 1800 018 444.

For more guidance, download the

Flash flooding occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the ground’s ability to absorb water. It can happen within minutes or hours and may occur far from where the rain originally fell, often with little to no warning.

The rapid rise and unpredictable depths of flash floods make them extremely dangerous, hiding debris and sweeping away people, cars, and even trees. Roads, buildings, and other structures can also be destroyed. Understanding your local flash flood risk will help you plan, prepare, respond, and recover more effectively.

During flash floods, you may need to rely on yourself, family, friends, or neighbours, as NSW SES may be delayed in reaching you or unable to respond due to dangerous conditions.

If flash flooding is likely, the safest option is to evacuate low-lying areas well in advance, but only if it is safe to do so.

Localised flooding occurs when stormwater drainage systems become blocked or are overwhelmed. This can lead to water damage to homes and properties, backyard or front yard flooding, and road closures. Property owners may be liable for damages if building, filling, or poor maintenance worsens flooding impacts on neighbouring properties.

Creek flooding results from intense localised rainfall, often in undulating coastal and hinterland areas. It can occur with little warning, posing significant risks to life and property as water rises quickly and flows rapidly.

River flooding happens when prolonged, widespread rainfall affects a major river’s catchment area. These floods can last from days to weeks and have a significant impact on life and property. The arrival and duration of a flood peak are determined by the size and slope of the river catchment and the river’s length.

Significant rivers and creeks in the Southern Highlands Region (South East Zone) include:

• Boorowa
• Burrangong Creek
• East Gippsland
• Lachlan
• Snowy
• Wollondilly
• Queanbeyan
• Molonglo
• Cooma

To assess your risk, view the latest river conditions and rainfall totals from the Bureau of Meteorology here.

• Use only sand, not dirt, to fill the hessian bags.
• Fill the bag about two-thirds of the way full.
• Don’t overfill, as it will become too heavy to carry easily.
• There's no need to tie the top of the bag.
• Be mindful of lifting techniques to avoid injury when handling sandbags.

• Lay the bags similar to bricks, staggering the rows to offset the seams.
• Begin at one end and work your way to the other.
• Cover the unfilled part of each bag with the next one in line.
• Tuck the end flap under the last bag of each row.
• For walls higher than five bags, create two rows side by side to add stability.

• Block drainage points like sinks, toilets, and showers to prevent water from coming up.
• Build a small barrier at doorways, at least as high as the anticipated water level, ensuring you can still exit if needed.
• Plastic sheeting can be placed beneath the sandbags to help reduce seepage.

• Always wear gloves when handling wet sandbags, as they may carry contaminants like chemicals or waste.
• Discard sandbags that have been exposed to floodwater.
• Contact council on 02 4868 0888 for safe disposal instructions.