Flood

Things you should know about Flooding

Six inches (155mm) of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet, so do not walk through flooded areas.
Electric current passes easily through water, so keep well away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
A flooded street may hide underwater hazards and water may be much deeper than it appears, so use caution in these areas.
Vehicles can easily be swept away in just two feet of moving water, so do not drive through flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it and move to higher ground.

Preparing for a Flood

Check to see if your building is in a known flood risk location.
Keep up with the latest flood information by listening to local radio or TV stations and also via the internet.
Obtain a copy of your Business Continuity plan and check that you designated meeting point is still available.
Prepare your ‘Battle Box’ ready to take to your evacuation point.

When Flooding occurs

If advised to evacuate, do so IMMEDIATELY
If there is time, shut off utilities at the main switches
If there is time, move furniture and electrical equipment to a higher floor
If the waters start to rise inside your premises before you have evacuated, move to a higher floor if available.
Do not try and swim to safety; wait for rescuers to come to you.
Do not enter a flooded area in your building if the electricity has not been turned off.
It may be unsafe to enter a flooded basement, even after water has receded.
Before entering, you may want to have the building inspected by a structural engineer, electrician, as well as a plumber to determine the extent of any damage.
Check the ceilings for signs of sagging. Ceiling boards are heavy, and can be dangerous if they fall.
Report any animal carcasses such as rats or unknown chemicals to the local council.