During a disaster

Severe weather and flooding

Don’t use a fixed telephone during a severe storm due to lightning danger.
Secure loose garden furniture, outdoor toys, etc. inside or under cover.
Turn off and unplug electrical items, external TV/radio aerials and computer modems.
Park vehicles under solid shelter or cover with firmly tied tarpaulins/blankets.
Listen to your (portable) radio for severe storm advice and warnings.
Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights.
If driving, stop clear of trees, power lines and creeks. Never drive on flooded roads, even in a small amount of water the current can pick up your car and sweep you away. Remember ‘If it’s flooded, Forget it!’
If outdoors, seek solid enclosed shelter.
If the building starts to break up, shelter under a mattress, doona, or a strong table or bench in the strongest part of the building, e.g. internal room, hallway or built-in wardrobe.

Move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to higher locations.
Secure any items that may float away or move in flood waters, e.g. gas bottles, garbage bins.
Plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens your home.
If you have livestock, move them to a safe area.
Where possible, move any electrical equipment to higher ground.
Turn off and unplug any electrical appliances that may become inundated with water.

Raise your pre-determined furniture, clothing and valuables on to beds, tables and into roof spaces.
Empty fridges and freezers, leaving the doors open.
Place sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back-flow.