Flood checklists

Before the flood

If you know a flood is on the way - get ready!

Inside your home

• Pack warm clothes, valuables, personal items and photos in waterproof bags
• Move what household items you can to a higher place. Put furniture up onto beds and tables - keep electrical items up on top
• Be careful if you're putting things up in your roof space or an upper level, these areas may not be able to safely support extra weight unless they've been specially strengthened beforehand
• Empty your fridge and freezer and leave the doors open to stop the appliances from floating
• Turn off the electricity, gas and water. Take your mobile phone
• Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all bathroom and laundry drain holes to stop sewage flowing back inside
• Seal doors and windows with plastic, silicon or plywood; put sandbags where you can for added support

Outside your home

• Roll out builder's plastic around the base of your home - leaving 40cm on the ground to put the sandbags on. Tape remaining plastic to the outside walls to a height of 1.5m. Keep downpipes on the outside of the plastic
• Check and seal all ventilation holes, cellar doorways and points where water can get in
• Open gates or fences to allow water to flow freely
• Don't drive into water if you don't know how deep it is or how fast it's flowing

After the flood

Mopping up after the flood

Inside

• Check your home for damage to windows, wall or roof
• For emergency assistance call your local State Emergency Service
• If returning to your home, make sure electricity and gas is off before going inside. Use only a torch until you're sure there's no gas around.
• Check your neighbours are OK
• Remove what excess water you can and mop sodden carpets
• Look out for spiders and snakes that may have moved in to escape the flood
• Don't eat food that's been in contact with floodwater and boil water until supplies have been declared safe

Appliances

• Have gas appliances inspected and cleaned to prevent an explosion or fire
• Check your smoke detectors are still working
• Don't use electrical items that got wet, have them professionally tested

Outside

• Beware of fallen powerlines, damaged trees and flooded creeks
• Look out for snakes and other animals
• If you must enter flood waters, wear solid shoes, not thongs or bare feet, and check the depth and current with a stick.
• Stay away from drains, culverts and water that's more than knee-deep.
• Don't drive until you know it's safe.
• Don't let children play in or near floodwaters.

Contact SGIO Helpline on 132 900 for assistance to SGIO policyholders.