Flood Preparedness

Simple steps to help households prepare early, stay informed, and act safely during flood events.

If there is immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For emergency help during floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500. Use official alerts, emergency services advice, and local evacuation instructions when conditions change.

Know Your Risk

• Check whether your home, school, workplace, or regular travel routes are in flood-prone areas.
• Talk with family, neighbours, and support workers about where you would go if you needed to leave.
• Keep a printed list of emergency contacts in case phones or internet access are disrupted.

Prepare Before Heavy Rain

• Move important documents, medicines, valuables, and electrical items above likely flood levels.
• Clear gutters, drains, and yards where it is safe to do so before severe weather arrives.
• Charge phones, power banks, radios, torches, and any essential medical equipment.

Pack An Emergency Kit

• Include water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid items, a torch, batteries, and a radio.
• Add copies of ID, insurance papers, prescriptions, and key contact details.
• Prepare supplies for babies, older people, pets, and anyone with disability or medical needs.

When Warnings Are Issued

• Follow official instructions from NSW SES, emergency services, and local authorities.
• Leave early if advised to evacuate. Do not wait until roads are cut or conditions worsen.
• Never drive, ride, walk, or play in floodwater. Floodwater can be deeper and faster than it looks.

If You Need To Evacuate

• Turn off power, gas, and water if it is safe and you have time.
• Take your emergency kit, medicines, phone, charger, wallet, keys, and pets if possible.
• Tell someone where you are going and use recommended evacuation routes.

After Floodwater Drops

• Return only when authorities say it is safe.
• Stay away from damaged buildings, fallen powerlines, contaminated water, and debris.
• Photograph damage for insurance before cleaning, if it is safe to do so.

Official resources

• NSW Government flood information
• HazardWatch warnings and incidents
• NSW SES advice and emergency planning tools