Floods can damage more than your home or car. Prepare now for future disasters

Preparing for floods in the best policy

We should always be prepared for rising floodwaters and never underestimate the danger.
By choosing to listen to their own opinions regarding a forecast, evacuation warning or from watching a river or downpour, many have courted disaster.
Sadly, when floods are swift, many people have lost their life through making such poor judgements.

Things you can do to avoid flooding

• Use the Make your Request button on this page to report ditches, drains and culverts that need clearing
• Always report well in advance any other issues that you feel may contribute toward flooding in your neighborhood

What to do to prepare for a flood

• Prepare a “grab bag” by packing some dry warm clothing into a plastic bag and stuff that into a rucksack or hold all
• Include some bottles of drinking water too
• Don’t forget to pack essential papers like IDs and other documents
• If you can, also pack a torch; it may prove to be a life saver
• Plan to leave for higher ground
• Tune in to local broadcasts that will supply you with minute by minute updates on the state of things
• Turn off electricity supplies at the mains as well as gas supplies if needed
• Check on your neighbors, especially any infirm

Things to avoid during a flood evacuation

• Avoid crossing streams or rivers as many times they can be deceivingly deep and swift. Remember, water looks calmest when it is deep
• Avoid traversing roadways that are flooded. Folks often get trapped in vehicles that are then prone to being swept away

If you have a cell phone connection: Try using the Public Service Request app (how to get the app). Because if your local authority has adopted its use (if not, why not urge them to?) then the app will display local breaking news items and possibly instructions regarding vital events like evacuations etc.