Here’s how to keep yourself safe during a flood

March 05, 2022 01:22 AM AEDT | By Bhawna Gupta
 Here’s how to keep yourself safe during a flood
Image source: © Diegoop | Megapixl.com

Highlights

  • At present some parts of Australia are facing drastic weather conditions.
  • According to BOM, isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging gusts and locally heavy rainfall are expected during the weekend.
  • One should pay attention to authorities' evacuation orders during floods.

 

Devastating floods in Australia, caused by torrential rains in the country’s southeast coast region, claimed many lives and forced over tens of thousands of Australians to evacuate.

Currently, some parts of Australia are facing drastic weather conditions. Due to the La Nia weather event, the country is experiencing an above-average rainfall in eastern areas. Authorities have described it as a "one in a thousand year" natural calamity, with water levels likely to reach 16 metres in Lismore. The previous record, set in 1954, was only 12 metres.

Also Read: Insurance claims continue to rise as floods wreak havoc in Australia

What’s the update from BOM on Australia’s floods?

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), on Friday (4 March 2022) said isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging gusts and locally heavy rainfall are expected in Queensland's southeast over the weekend. Because of the saturated catchments, any rainfall could result in river rises or flash flooding. Creeks, streams, and catchments remain hazardous for riverine and flash flooding.

BOM also informed that several minor to moderate flood warnings are in effect for rivers in southeast Queensland, with significant flood warnings in place for the Weir, Moonie, Condamine, and Balonne rivers. Apart from this, strong thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall are still possible in New South Wales' north-eastern regions on Friday and Sunday.

Watch: How To Get Financial Assistance For Flood Victims In Queensland And New South Wales

What to do before and during a flood?

Emergency calls

First of all, if you are in an emergency, dial 000 or contact the SES on 132 500, depending on your circumstances.

Basic need

Gather food and water in case of an emergency. Keep at least 1 gallon of water each day and at least a three-day supply on hand for one person.

Make a list

Make a list of all your medications, treatment plans, other health-care cards details, and other critical medical information when drafting your evacuation plan.

Source: © Ianerrington | Megapixl.com

Pay attention to authorities

Another critical strategy for surviving a flood is to pay attention to authorities' evacuation orders. They also emphasise the need of paying attention to evacuation orders the first time you hear them. Even a few minutes of waiting can mean the difference between life and death. Staying behind could endanger you and others if you need to be rescued from rising areas.

Stay away from electrical outlets

Another important tip is to stay away from rooms where water covers electrical outlets. This is obvious that no one wants to get electrocuted while wandering through a flooded home or office.

After flood precautions

You might assume you're safe once the floodwaters have receded. However, there are still several flood hazards that might endanger your health and property.

Here are some tips that one should take after flooding occurs:

  • Don’t drive through the places that are flooded. You can lose control of your vehicle in as little as six inches of water.
  • Don't drink floodwater. Also, groundwater could have been contaminated during the flood. Don't assume that turning on the faucet will make the water safe. However, local officials will tell you if the water is safe to drink or if it needs to be boiled first.
  • Move on roads only when authorities indicate it is safe. Flooding may have altered familiar locations.
  • Animals and shattered bottles may be hidden in flood debris, which is very slippery. It's best not to walk or drive through it.

Also Read: IAG, QBE, SUN: Insurance stocks to watch as floods wreak havoc in Australia


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.


AU_advertise

Advertise your brand on Kalkine Media

Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.