If your area is likely to flood, the Territory or State Emergency Service or local council could issue an evacuation alert or order. You might be notified by radio or SMS or someone may knock on your door.
It's not safe to stay if a flood evacuation order has been issued. Your life could be at risk if you don't move away from the area.
Loading...If you have time to prepare before evacuating:
- Pack your emergency kit, warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone and charger, photos and mementos in waterproof bags.
- If you can't take your pets with you, decide how you will look after them.
- Move furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces.
- Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open.
- Put sandbags in toilet bowls and over all drains; this can help stop sewage backflow into your home.
- Turn off electricity, water and gas.
- Listen/watch for flood reports and instructions. Follow all instructions by emergency authorities and react to changing conditions.
- Fill your petrol tank and stock your car with emergency supplies to be evacuated with you.
If you're told to evacuate immediately:
- Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains and turn off and secure any gas bottles before you leave.
- Take your pets with you.
- Lock your home and take the safest evacuation route out of the area.
- Don't drive or travel through floodwater.
- If you must walk through floodwater, do so very carefully — wear solid shoes and use a stick to check the depth and current. Floodwater may contain sewage.
- Avoid drains, culverts and water that is knee-deep or higher.
- Stay well away from fallen powerlines — electrical current passes easily through water.
- Let family and friends know where you are and where you are going.
- Keep listening to your local ABC Radio station for updates and instructions. If the power is out, use a battery-powered radio.