Learn about flood emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and the locations of emergency shelters in the area where you live.
Locate a fire extinguisher in your building, or buy one and make sure you and your family know where it is and how to use it.
If there is a flood warning, listen to the local news or check information provided by the emergency services, including evacuation advice.
If evacuation is necessary or flooding imminent, close the main gas valve and turn off all utilities at the main power switch.
To prepare for evacuation, collect essential portable belongings: clothing, toiletries, legal documents and essential medication. If possible, include a mobile telephone and charger, a hand-held radio, batteries and cash, along with emergency contacts and other important information in writing.
During the flood
Avoid walking through flood water or entering unstable buildings or structures. There may be hidden hazards, such as holes or fast-flowing water.
Follow authorities’ instructions on evacuation. If you are advised to evacuate your home, take your essential portable belongings with you in a strong, water-proof bag.
If ordered not to evacuate, move to a safe location with essential items, and if possible the means to receive news, such as a radio or television.
If you are stranded on something above the flood water, such as a tree or building, wait there for rescue, and do not enter the water.
Do not try to rescue pets or farm animals unless it is safe to do so.
Do not stay in a flooded car, and avoid driving through flood water. A car starts to float in about 30 cm of flood water, becoming uncontrollable.
After the flood
Do not return to your home until you have been advised that doing so is safe.
Keep children away from flood-contaminated grassy areas until a week after the water has gone.
Never use an electric tool or machine while standing in water.
Have all home appliances, gas and electrical, checked by qualified professionals before using them again.
Heating and good ventilation will assist drying; leave doors and windows open whenever possible and safe.
Cleaning
If your home has been flooded and closed for several days, presume it has been contaminated with mould. New mould in buildings can be removed with warm water and detergent, while persistent mould needs professional intervention.
For clean-up, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots and, if cleaning leads to splashing, also wear an apron and goggles or a face mask if possible.
When cleaning, do not mix bleach and detergents, as there is a risk of hazardous fumes.
Do not let children play with contaminated toys. Toys should be washed in hot water (60 oC) and detergent.
Clean all kitchen appliances and cupboard contents that have come into contact with flood water.
Wash all sewage-contaminated clothes separately in hot water (60 oC) with detergent.
Water, food preparation and personal hygiene
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after each clean-up session, and always before eating or preparing food.
If you have been in contact with contaminated water or soil, take a bath or shower, and clean wounds (if any), clothes and possessions.
Do not assume that drinking-water supplies are uncontaminated; until informed otherwise by the authorities, boil or chlorinate your drinking-water.
Consider taking extra precautions in preparing food that is locally sourced and may have been subject to contamination during flooding. This includes both meat and fruit/vegetable products.
Professional and medical assistance
Seek assistance if you:
become injured or unwell, or need supplies of your routinely prescribed medications;
have influenza-like symptoms;
are bitten by animals such as rats or snakes, or insects; or
cannot control pest infestations.
Seek practical support if you feel stress, distress, lethargy, anxiety and/or depression, which are normal in these circumstances. If these feelings persist or worsen, seek medical advice.
