From earthquakes to storms, floods or fires, emergencies can happen when you least expect it – but there are things you can do to be ready, plan, and take action to stay safe. River catchments in North East Victoria are already wet, so this week’s rain forecast means we can expect minor level flooding in some rivers and streams.
If rainfall is heavy enough, we may also see “flash flooding” – this is when a downpour causes floodwater to rise and fall very quickly, flash flooding can happen anywhere, even on a hill and in unexpected places like through neighbourhoods or along main roads.
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) urges you to be ready before the rain falls:
- Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains to ensure they are not blocked.
- Connect with your neighbours and family to make sure they know wet weather is expected. Often, in an emergency, your neighbours may be first to help or raise the alarm.
- Learn about the risk of flooding in your area. Check if your community has a Local Flood Guide via the VICSES website at www.ses.vic.gov.au and click “Local Flood information”.
- Stay informed. Monitor weather and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au and emergency warnings through the VicEmergency smartphone app – set up a watch zone for home, business or holiday locations.
- VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline - 1800 226 226.
It is very difficult to forecast exactly where a storm will affect an area, and what sort of damage will occur. Early preparation is the best defence against storms. Find out what else you can do be ready for floods and storms at www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe
- Call 132 500 for emergency storm and flood assistance from VICSES.
- Call Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies.