How to plan and prepare for floods during Australia's East Coast Low

Australia’s east coast is experiencing extreme weather conditions and flooding which is impacting communities, families and businesses. It is worthwhile forward thinking and making an emergency plan should you need to evacuate with little notice.

Please stay safe and prepared during the storms and regularly check warnings and alerts on the NSW State Emergency Service website here and here for QLD.

How to plan and prepare for floods

If there is an evacuation warning in place, be prepared to leave.

There are a few things you can do to protect your family and property if a flood warning has been issued for your area:

• Prepare an emergency kit with important documents, medications and items you might need if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry
• Get your property and family prepared. Have an emergency plan in place
• Find the safest route to travel if you need to evacuate and check for any road closures
• Find out where any evacuation centres are set up in your area
• Keep listening to your local ABC radio station for information, updates and advice
• Contact neighbours, friends and family when flooding is imminent and help move animals and vulnerable people (such as children, elderly or mobility-impaired) to higher ground
• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
• For emergency help in floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Disaster relief and recovery

Residents and businesses in LGAs declared as disaster areas may be eligible for Disaster relief assistance and support from the NSW Government.

We can help you access services such as financial assistance for immediate needs, mental health support and more.

Service NSW customer care specialists are here to help flood-affected customers with services and support. Please call on 13 77 88 for information on assistance available.

You can also use the Disaster Assistance Finder, it’s a simple online tool that will give you a personalised list of flood recovery support services.

This information was gathered from Service NSW. Please click here for more information and to see all flood assistance available.