Flood Safety Measures

Why flood safety planning matters

Floods are among the most powerful and destructive natural events, and they don't only strike known flood zones. Some floods — coastal and river flooding — build over hours or days as catchments fill. Flash floods are different: they can turn a street or creek into a raging torrent in minutes, leaving almost no time to react. That's why the best flood safety measures are the ones you take before the water arrives.

If your area has had heavy or prolonged rain, keep across official warnings. Emergency services and the Bureau of Meteorology issue flood watches when conditions are favourable for flooding, and flood warnings when flooding is happening or imminent. Local radio, TV news and official weather updates are your best sources — check them early and often.

Before a flood: prepare while it's dry

• ✓ Check your insurance. Flood cover is not automatic on every home policy, so confirm exactly what yours includes and organise proper flood cover if you live in a flood-prone area.
• ✓ Build an emergency kit for your household — torch, radio, batteries, first-aid supplies, medications, important documents and drinking water.
• ✓ Agree on an evacuation plan: where you'll go, how you'll get there, and how family members will contact each other.

During a flood watch: get ready to move

• ✓ Move furniture, electronics and valuables onto benches and tables, or up to higher floors.
• ✓ Make sure your vehicle is in good running order with a full tank, and be ready to leave if evacuation looks likely.
• ✓ Keep monitoring the radio and news for changes in the flood situation.

During a flood warning: act immediately

• ✓ Follow emergency instructions closely and be prepared to leave your home at short notice.
• ✓ If a flash flood warning is issued, move to higher ground straight away — don't wait to see how bad it gets.
• ✓ Stay well clear of rivers, creeks, streams, canals, stormwater drains and other channels where flash flooding hits first and hardest.

During a flood: stay out of the water

• ✓ Never drive through flooded roads, causeways or bridges. Even shallow, fast-moving floodwater can knock an adult off their feet or carry a vehicle away.
• ✓ If your vehicle stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.
• ✓ Take extra care at night, when floodwater depth and hazards are much harder to see.
• ✓ Move to the highest safe point you can reach without walking through floodwater.

After a flood: the danger isn't over

Many flood injuries happen after the water recedes, so re-enter carefully:

• ✓ Don't enter your home while it's still flooded or surrounded by water — it can hide dangerous debris.
• ✓ Check for structural damage and foundation cracks before re-entering. If damage looks serious, wait for authorities to declare the building safe.
• ✓ Don't reconnect electricity, gas or water yourself — have affected services and appliances inspected by a licensed electrician or gas fitter first.
• ✓ Turn off the power at the meter box only if you can reach it without standing in water, and never touch wet electrical equipment — floodwater can be electrically charged by damaged wiring or fallen powerlines.
• ✓ Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately, turn the gas off at the main valve outside if it's safe to do so, and call your gas company.
• ✓ Don't use toilets or taps until you know the plumbing and water supply are intact, and don't drink or wash with tap water until authorities say it's safe.
• ✓ Discard all food that has touched floodwater — including canned goods.
• ✓ Watch for snakes, spiders and other animals that may have sheltered inside with the floodwater.
• ✓ Photograph and video all damage before you start cleaning up, for your insurance claim.

Why a flooded home needs professional cleaning

Even after the water is gone, a flooded home isn't safe to live in. Floodwater is contaminated — it can carry sewage, chemicals and debris, and contact with it can cause skin and stomach infections. The property needs to be thoroughly inspected, dried, cleaned and decontaminated before your family moves back in. For a step-by-step recovery plan, see our guide to what to do in the first 24 hours after a flood.

Need a hand in Sydney or Regional NSW?

One Prime Solutions provides complete flood clean-up and water damage restoration for homes and businesses, responding 24/7 across Greater Sydney & Regional NSW. Call 1300 774 631 and we'll help you get your home safe and liveable again.

Frequently asked questions