• Check with your local council if flooding could be a danger to your home and family. As well as flood water inundation, isolation due to flood water can also cause problems. 
• Make an emergency kit.
• Make your emergency plan.
• Check your home, contents and vehicle insurance is up to date and that it provides suitable coverage.  
• Store all fuels, poisons and chemicals above potential flood water levels.  
• Consider installing flooring other than carpet. Rugs that can be rolled and stored may be more suitable.  
• Know where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power, and gas.  
• Consider how you might prevent water from entering your home using flood barriers or sand bags. If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, prepare a plan in case your power is cut, it may take some time to be restored. 
• Consider any arrangements you will need for pets or livestock. Prepare your pets. 
• Plan alternate routes for common journeys including to work, home and school pick-up. If it’s flooded, forget it.  
• Check in with your neighbours to see if they need help.  

• Tune in to warnings. 
• Activate your Emergency Plan and locate your emergency kit. 
• Fuel your vehicle and pack it with your emergency supplies in case you need to evacuate. 
• Secure loose material around your home and yard to prevent it being carried away by flood water. 
• Stack belongings onto benches and tables above the expected flood water level. Place electrical equipment on top. 
• Place sandbags in appropriate places around your home to help reduce the impact of flood water damage. Find out more about how to use sandbags.
• Move pets and livestock to safety. 
• Turn off household utilities (power, gas, water). 
• Check on neighbours and friends who may need assistance. 
• Stay out of flood water. 

During a severe weather event, safety should always be your priority. You need to take notice, seek information, make decisions, and act. Weather warnings are published across many information channels. It is important Remember is to follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services. 
Tune In

• Find your local ABC Radio Station 
• Find your local commercial radio 

Check Online

• Bureau of Meteorology website 
• Your council website or disaster dashboard
• QPS Facebook 
• QPS Twitter 

Listen

• Standard Emergency Warning Signal 
  This siren is used at the start of serious warnings on television and radio. Act immediately on the advice given. 
• Emergency Alert 
  Warning messages sent to all network mobile and landline phones. Messages will come from 0444 444 444. 
• Door Knocks 
  Emergency services or local council personnel may visit your area to pass on warnings. 

 

 

 

Floods can cause damage to buildings, vehicles and cut access to power, water and food supplies. Once the flood has receded, you will be able to assess any damage and clean up. 

• Check your home and property for damage. Take photographs as proof of any damage and contact your insurance provider.
• Clean up debris around your home. Check with your local government for advice on disposing of green waste and other materials such as asbestos fencing.   
• Continue to listen to local radio and check official websites for updated information or instructions.  
• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, streams, fallen trees, and any damaged buildings. 
• Check in with your family and neighbours. 
• Never drive, ride, swim or walk in flood water. 
• Do not go sightseeing. This can delay emergency services’ access to people in need and increase the possibility of accidents.  
• Only travel through affected areas if necessary. 
• Contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 if you need emergency assistance. 

 

Riverine flooding 
Tropical cyclones, lows, monsoon troughs, storms and other weather systems can cause excess rain over several hours, days or weeks. This can result in too much water flowing into creeks and rivers causing their banks to burst and riverine flooding happens. 

Flash flooding 
Flash flooding happens where there is a lot of rain in a short amount of time. It is dangerous and can happen anywhere, at anytime, and often without warning. 

Storm surge and storm tide 
Storm surge is when the normal seawater level rises, caused by intense low-pressure systems, including cyclones. Strong winds will push large waves towards the coastline, causing water to swamp the landscape, sometimes for kilometres inland. There is more information on our page Storm surge and coastal flooding.