The Victoria State Emergency Service is preparing for floods this Spring and is asking every community member to take action now to Get Flood Ready by finding out about your flood risk and how to Get Ready.
It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recently released their climate outlook, which indicates La Niña weather is likely to bring heavy Spring rains and a higher risk of floods in parts of Victoria, including the North East.
Preparedness is key – knowing if you are in an area prone to flooding from rivers and creeks (Riverine Floods) is as easy as checking the local flood info at ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/your-local-flood-information where you’ll find Local Flood Guides for most flood prone towns in the region.
If your area does not have a Local Flood Guide, you can get flood information from North East CMA www.necma.vic.gov.au .
Get familiar with your local flood risk: talk to neighbours if you are new to the area and find your Local Flood Guide. Taking the time now to understand what floods might be like, will help you plan and prepare before they arrive. Work out where the “high ground” or safer places are near you.
There are simple steps to Get Flood Ready at home, on the farm and in business and now is the time to start:
- Find Your Local Flood Guide and how to Get Ready at www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready
- Never drive through floodwater. Just 15cm of flowing floodwater can float a small car. That’s the height of an average pen. Stay safe by never entering floodwater.
- The number one cause of death in a flood is people trying to drive through floodwater.
Call 132 500 you require assistance from VICSES during storms and floods, and always call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.