— Move furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces.
— Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open.
— Put sandbags in toilet bowls and over all drains; this can help stop sewage backflow into your home.
— Turn off electricity, water and gas.
— Listen/watch for flood reports and instructions. Follow all instructions by emergency authorities and react to changing conditions.
— Fill your petrol tank and stock your car with emergency supplies to be evacuated with you.
If floodwaters are heading your way, it's worth preparing sandbags to help protect your home.(ABC News: Alexandria Utting)
— Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains and turn off and secure any gas bottles before you leave.
— Take your pets with you.
— Lock your home and take the safest evacuation route out of the area.
— If you must walk through floodwater, do so very carefully — wear solid shoes and use a stick to check the depth and current. Floodwater may contain sewage.
drains, culverts and water that is knee-deep or higher.
— Stay well away from fallen powerlines — electrical current passes easily through water.
— Let family and friends know where you are and where you are going.
