Flooding

Use the flood prone area map to determine the risk where you live. Think about where you might go if you need to evacuate, and how you might get there.

Take these steps before a flood to reduce your risk:

• Write a household survival plan and pack a home emergency kit.
• Make copies of your important documents [PDF 754 KB].
• Trim your trees, clear your gutters and remove any loose items from around your home.
• Rake up leaves and grass clippings. Bag them, do not rake them onto the road. Large amounts of debris in the storm water system can block water flow.
• Maintain your water tank to help capture excessive rainfall.
• Check that your home and contents insurance covers flood damage.
• Landscape your property to prevent water pooling. Minimise use of concrete and paving. The ACT Government has a guide to help reduce the risk of flooding when landscaping [PDF 8.6 MB].
• Write a list of people you could ask for assistance during a flood.

Stay informed by:

• checking the local weather forecasts
• following ACT Government social media channels.

During a flood, you can find warnings and updates on:

• the ACT Emergency Services Agency website
• ACT Government social media channels.

You can also find updates by accessing:

• ABC radio emergency broadcasts
• the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Check for traffic problems and road closures on your planned evacuation route. Do not drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater.

You might get a call or message on your mobile phone. Local emergency services will do this when there is an emergency nearby. Follow the directions given.

Stay in touch with friends, neighbours, and loved ones. If you need assistance, reach out to your contacts list. Let someone know if you plan to evacuate and where you intend to shelter.

Prepare early to leave if your property is at threat:

• Check your home emergency kit. Add last minute items such as important documents, medication, and clean drinking water.
• Decide where you will evacuate to. Evacuation centres should be a last resort. Plan to stay with family or friends if you can.
• Pack food, water and bedding for your animals. Secure them safely. Check that they are wearing identification.

If you need to leave:

• Use your cars hazard lights.
• Keep clear of floodwaters.
• Avoid fallen powerlines and debris near them. These could be live and cause an electric shock.

Check on loved ones and assess damage to your property.

• If you can’t locate a neighbour, friend, or relative, report it.
• To find lost animals, check online.
• Take photos of damaged property and secure the site if you can.

Watch out for potential risks.

• If you have broken utilities, turn them off and let someone know.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines and debris near them. These could be live and cause an electric shock.
• If you see a tree on public land damaged, report it.
• If you notice damage to a tree on your land, contact an arborist.
• If your home is unsafe call the ACT State Emergency Service for help.
• Avoid waterways. After a flood the water runoff can move fast and might have pollutants and other debris in it.
• Get assistance for your mental health if you need it.

Recovering from a flood can be hard. There are services and supports to help:

• ask your insurance provider about making a claim
• check if you are eligible for financial assistance.

Assess what worked and what didn’t work:

• review your household survival plan and home emergency kit
• consider what you might change in and around your home to reduce the risk [PDF 8.6 MB] of flooding.