The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) outlook includes potential for La Niña weather, bringing heavy spring rains to south-eastern Australia and a higher risk of floods in the already wet north east and Goulburn Broken rainfall catchments.
Adding extra risk, areas affected by last summer’s bushfires respond differently as heavy rains can trigger dangerous landslides on burnt ground, and it’s more prone to flash flooding.
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VICSES North East Region acting assistant chief officer Neil Payne said these were already areas that VICSES was watching closely in the event of any rain.
“This early heads up for a wet spring gives everyone time to think ahead about how to get flood ready and prepare your family and property for heavy spring rains and flooding,” Mr Payne said.
“Indications from the BOM are for floods similar to the major floods of 2016, possibly even as damaging and widespread as 2010 – where if a similar flood happens, hundreds of homes may be flooded above floor level, many evacuations, roads and bridges flooded or damaged and power, drinking water, sewage and other essential services interrupted.
“It is important that you take steps now to get flood ready and stay informed.
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“Get familiar with the official sources for emergency warnings - the Vic Emergency website, smartphone app and Emergency Broadcasters, including ABC.
“Taking the time to plan and prepare now will help you think clearly and stay in control during an emergency, so you can make the best decisions to keep you, your family and your property safe.”
There are simple ways to get flood ready at home, on the farm and in business and now is the time to take action:
● Find your local flood information and how to get ready, including local flood guides for a number of at-risk townships at ;this link
● Plan: review your home emergency plan or use the Australian Red Cross RediPlan Get Prepared smartphone app to make an all hazards plan at this link. Experience shows that those who plan and prepare for emergencies can reduce the impact of the emergency, and can recover quicker afterwards;
● Decide what items are most important for you to protect and make a list for your plan;
●Know what to do if your home is being threatened by major flooding and what we mean by bag it, block it, lift it and leave. Bag it - by laying sandbags where water may get into your home. Block it - by covering your toilet and drains to prevent back-flow and then ‘Lift-it and Leave’ by shifting valuables onto tables and benchtops and leaving early to a family or friends house on higher ground - which is still ok to do in-line with COVID-19 restrictions;
●Take note to never drive through floodwater. It can take just 15cm of flowing water to float a small car. We know the number one cause of death in a flood is people attempting to drive through floodwater; and
● Remember that higher ground is safer ground: Always move people, animals and equipment to higher ground or a safer place well before the rain starts and conditions become too dangerous.
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● If you require emergency assistance during a flood or storm phone SES on 132 500. If your emergency is life threatening, phone 000.
● For the latest emergency information and warnings, go to this link.
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