Queenslander’s are still on edge as flood waters from ex-tropical cyclone Debbie continues to rise. Hundreds of residential homes are already affected, but we are yet to see the full impact of this calamity.

If it’s flooded, avoid it

Once the flood rises to dangerous levels, the safest action is to evacuate to safer ground. But the safest option is not always the easiest thing to do. For many of us whose homes hold a lifetime’s worth of family memories, leaving it behind is heart-wrenching.
Just imagine the devastation of seeing the fruits of your labour being shattered by a natural disaster. The frustration of not having any choice nor the power to save it. We understand – it’s not easy to leave your home behind. However, your family’s safety should always take precedence over your properties. Simply put, if it’s flooded, don’t risk it! Evacuate as soon as you can.
To keep your family safe, here are some flood safety tips from the Bureau of Meteorology:

How to keep your home flood safe:

•    Hazardous items must be kept in safe places.
•    Move furniture and other valuables to higher ground.
•    Put important documents, such as land titles, diplomas, financial statements, in waterproof containers.
•    If you have pets, travel with them as you evacuate. If you have no choice but to leave them inside the house, put them in a secure, windowless room to avoid them from panicking. Whether you’re relocating with your pet or not, make sure that they have ample food and water.
•    Monitor warnings and flood status on the radio.
•    If it’s flooded, don’t risk going outside.

When relocating to safer ground, follow these tips:

•    If the flood waters are a threat to your safety, evacuate immediately. Inform your nearest State Emergency Services (SES), the police, or your neighbour of your plans to move.
•    Always monitor your radio for advice and updates.
•    Pack clothes, food, water, emergency kits, and medication enough to last for at least two weeks. Place them in waterproof bags.
•    Put electronic items and gadgets in higher places, way above the water.
•    Lock your home.
•    Turn off power and gas supplies, and unplug electronic devices.

Too late to leave your home? Follow these tips: 

•    Listen to the radio for updates and flood warnings and advice
•    Turn off power and gas supplies, and unplug electronic devices.
•    Stay in upper areas of your home
•    Move vehicles and other essential items in the house to higher portions of your home.
•    Keep emergency kits near you.
•    Stay away from floodwaters.
•    Do not eat food drenched in floodwaters.
•    Boil tap water

Apart from the physical damage to property, a flood can be emotionally draining for your family, especially your children. Make sure to teach your kids how to deal with the psychological impacts of a calamity the right way.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates about ex-tropical cyclone Debbie and other flood safety tips. Explore our blogs for more tips on how to keep your family safe before, during, and after a catastrophe.