Alternatives To An Ark: The ABC&D Of Your Next Flood

You may be surprised to discover that floods may have occurred where you are now living. We know that high flood levels occurred throughout Australia before records commenced - and in the last 125 years there have been scores of devastating floods. Action Step Number 1 is to ASK. Start with your Local Government.

The questions to ask are:

• In which years were local floods recorded?
• How high did they rise, and how quickly?
• How long did they last?
• Is there a local flood evacuation plan?
• What official river height means your house will be flooded?
• What flood advice will be given by local officials in addition to those given by the Bureau of Meteorology?
• Where is the catchment area in which rainfall will cause floods near your house?

Some Councils have produced "Flood Plain Maps" which will tell you the danger areas based on previous water movements.

These are excellent guides - but you also need to ask what recent alterations or developments have been made upstream and in your area which will affect river flow.

If you find there's a lack of preparedness in your area - and history shows you could be flooded - it is timely to consult with representatives of your Local Government.

 

If it is possible that you could be flooded, you shouldn't wait for a flood to learn what to do. NOW, before the emergency, is the time to prepare - firstly by knowing how the Flood Warning System works.

The Bureau of Meteorology issues forecasts and warnings after considering the information obtained from a wide variety of sources.

IMPORTANT FLOOD TERMS.
The Bureau of Meteorology uses the following flood terms, and it could be important to know what they mean to you, your house, and the roads in your area.

• MINOR FLOODING - causes inconvenience, closing of minor roads and low level bridges.
• MODERATE FLOODING - low lying areas are inundated requiring removal of stock, equipment, and evacuation of isolated homes. Main traffic bridges may be covered.
• MAJOR FLOODING - higher areas are inundated with isolation of towns and properties, causing extensive damage.
• LOCAL FLOODING - used where intense rainfall could be expected to cause high run-off in restricted area but would not lead to significant rises in main streams.
• SIGNIFICANT RIVER RISES - used when it is not certain that initial flood levels will be exceeded in main streams, but when appreciable river rises are expected. This term should alert landholders of possible need to remove pumps and irrigation equipment, and plan for a stock removal.

Your local counter-disaster authorities will relate the Bureau's forecasts and warnings to your particular locality, issuinginformation on river heights and the conditions of roads in the area - and advise on movement and evacuation over local TV and radio stations.

It is your responsibility to yourself, your family and your community to act sensibly on the advice and warnings.

There are ways you can concern yourself, to take precautions when an emergency appears possible.

• Ensure your transistor radio is working, and has fresh batteries (it could be your only link with the news if power goes off)
• In one area of the house known to the whole family gather a supply of appropriate clothing, tinned food, water containers, emergency lighting (candles, torches), first aid kit and medicines - enough for 2-3 days at least.
• If your property could be isolated by floodwaters, having your property name painted on the roof will assist those trying to help you.
• Ask the representative of your Local Government for details of the Community Disaster Plan - warning systems, action to reduce losses, evacuation, welfare, ways in which you can help.

• Don't ignore warnings and advice - they are for the good of everybody.
• Don't enter floodwater, on foot or in a car - you could be swept away.
• Don't use a boat for sightseeing - the wash causes unnecessary damage.
• Don't visit disaster areas - unnecessary people cause unnecessary damage.
• Don't drink floodwater - you could become seriously ill.

Top of page