Practical steps to prepare your home, gear, and family for flood conditions in Australia.

Floods are among Australia’s most common emergencies. Flash flooding can arrive with little warning, while riverine flooding can isolate communities for days or weeks. Small steps taken early make a big difference to safety and comfort during a flood.

This guide provides simple, real‑world actions based on official emergency‑service guidance.

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🟦 1. Know Your Flood Risk

Risk depends on your local catchments, property elevation, drainage, and nearby waterways. Check reliable guidance here:

• BOM — Flood Safety & Action Guide: https://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
• DFES WA — Prepare for a Flood: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/flood/prepare
• VIC SES — Flood & Storm Readiness: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au
• QLD Gov — Flood Prepare: https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/flood/flood-prepare

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🟩 2. Prepare Your Property (Before Flooding)

✔ Reduce water damage risk

• Clear gutters, downpipes and drains to prevent overflow.
• Elevate appliances, valuables and electronics off the floor.
• Move chemicals and fuels above ground level to avoid contamination.
• Secure outdoor items that may float away or cause damage.

✔ Sandbag early (if advised)

Sandbags help reduce water ingress at doorways and low points, but won’t stop water entirely. Follow local guidance on where and how to use them.

✔ Build your emergency kit

• Battery-powered radio & spare batteries
• Torch / headlamp
• First-aid kit, medications
• 3 days of food & water
• Waterproof pouch for documents
• Power banks & charging cables

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🚨 3. Evacuation & Safety Planning

Leaving early is the safest option. Plan now so you’re not deciding under stress.

✔ Set trigger points

• Official warnings (Advice, Watch & Act, Emergency Warning)
• Rapidly rising water or forecast heavy rainfall
• Road closures / isolation risk

✔ Plan two routes

Flooding can close roads fast. Have at least two evacuation routes and a safe destination.

✔ Include family, pets & special needs

• Pet carriers, leads, food and water
• Backup for essential medications and equipment
• Let a neighbour or relative know your plan

❌ Never enter floodwater

Do not drive, walk or ride through floodwater. Floodwaters hide hazards and even shallow moving water can be deadly.

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🎒 4. Flood Go‑Bag (PrepPro Version)

• 3 days of food & water
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Multi‑tool / knife
• Emergency blankets
• Waterproof document container
• P2 masks (mould & debris)
• Power banks & cables
• First‑aid kit

🐾 Pet Essentials

• Carrier, leash, ID
• Food, water, medications
• Towels

🚗 Vehicle Readiness

• Keep fuel tank at least half full in severe weather
• Recovery gear and basic tools
• Rations, water and paper maps

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🟥 5. Last‑Minute Actions (If Flooding Is Imminent)

Only complete these if safe to do so and you are not under an evacuation order:

• Move valuables and electronics above expected water level
• Turn off gas, power and water at the mains if advised
• Place sandbags at doors and low points
• Bring pets inside and prepare for transport
• Pack your go‑bag and load your vehicle early
• Monitor official apps and local ABC radio for updates

If emergency services instruct evacuation → leave immediately. Do not wait or attempt to travel through floodwater.

📡 Official warning sources

• BOM Weather & Warnings: https://www.bom.gov.au
• Emergency WA (DFES): https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
• VicEmergency: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• QFES / QLD Disaster: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au

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🟫 6. After the Flood: Returning Safely

• Only return when authorities say it’s safe
• Avoid floodwater — it may contain sewage, debris and contaminants
• Check for structural damage before entering buildings
• Boil tap water until declared safe
• Photograph damage for insurance
• Dispose of contaminated food and medicines
• Ventilate and dry the home to reduce mould risk

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⚠️ Flood Survival Disclaimer

This page provides general preparedness guidance based on publicly available information from Australian emergency services. Always follow directions from SES/DFES and your local emergency authority during an active flood.