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Flood Safe Tips: Things you can do before a flood

There are 8 tips you can do NOW to prepare for floods:

1. Know your risk

  • Find out about the local flood history
  • Know the heights at which your home, business and/or property could be affected by floodwater
  • Contact your local council if you want more information on how flooding could directly affect your property
  • Talk with people who have been in the area a long time for about their experiences of floods locally
  • Be aware of the natural signs of flooding
  • Know how you may be warned of popssible flooding

2. Know where to go

  • Find the safest route to travel in advance in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which your evacuation route may be cut
  • Find out where the designated evacuation centres are located
    • JD Hardie Centre located on Cottier Drive Sout Hedland
    • Andrew McLaughlin Community Centre, Keesing Street Port Hedland
  • Check with friends and relatives outside the flood prone area to organise a place to go

3. Know who to call

  • For emergency help in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500
  • Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge)
  • In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000

4. Know your plan

  • To help households and businesses plan for flooding, ensure that you have developed a plan for your home or business.
  • Complete, share and practice your plan with family and neighbours
  • Review your plan annually and after flood events

5. Get your kit together

  • Put together an emergency kit for your home or business
  • Your emergency kit should contain:
    • Portable radio with spare batteries
    • Torch with spare batteries
    • First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
    • Candles and waterproof matches
    • Important papers including emergency contact numbers
    • Copy of any Home Emergency Plans
    • Waterproof bag for valuables
  • When leaving or evacuating your property, place in your emergency kit:
    • A good supply of required medications
    • Any special requirements and supplies for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly
    • Appropriate clothing and footwear
    • Fresh food and drinking water  

6. Prepare now to act early

  • Talk with our local SES members about being safe
  • Know the warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly
  • Practice your plan and share it with neighbours.

7. Check your insurance

  • Make sure your insurance is suitable to your situation and risk
  • Check the coverage is adequate
  • Make sure your insurance is current 

8. Listen to local radio

Remember there are dangers driving through flooded roads