Source: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/flood Fetched: 2026-11-03 22:08 AEDT Prepare for a flood | NSW SES Skip to main content Show us how you prepare for storm season by entering our Stay Ahead of the Storm Challenge, with some great prizes up for grabs! Global Alert This is a Test Global Alert (Critical) Setup for visitors in any emergency Location. Create your emergency Plan Automatic language translation Our website uses an automatic service to translate our content into different languages. These translations should be used as a guide only. We may choose to keep content in English if we are not sure the translation will be accurate. For professionally translated planning, response and recovery information, visit our 'In your language' page. View ‘In your language’ resources ## Flood A flood is one of the most costly, dangerous and deadly natural disasters in NSW. NSW has a long history of flooding, with Indigenous stories of flooding tracing back thousands of years. Steer Clear of Floodwater. Don’t get swept up in the moment. Despite repeated warnings, too many drivers are still risking their lives by driving into floodwaters. The decisions you make can have lifelong impacts. Learn more ## Prepare, respond and recover from a flood A flood is one of the most costly, dangerous and deadly natural disasters in NSW. NSW has a long history of flooding, with Indigenous stories of flooding tracing back thousands of years. It is important to know how to prepare for flood and make a plan for you and your family. Download Easy Read resources Watch Auslan Flood Videos ## Know your risk - Local flood risks can be found by visiting the Local information page or the Local Flood Insights page. - Your Local Council, also listed on your Local information page, will have specific flood information relevant to your property. - Talk with your local NSW SES Unit, also listed on your Local information page, about the local flood risks. - Talk with community organisations and long-term residents about the local flood risks. - Local Flood Plans are also available and will be listed on your Local information page. ## Know the warnings - The NSW SES will issue warnings for flooding using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings. - The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Flood Watches and Flood Warnings for riverine flooding and Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm warnings for possible flash flooding. - You may not always receive an official warning. The natural signs of a flood and flash flooding can include rushing or pooling water and heavy rainfall. - Flooding can cause isolation. Stock up on food, water, medical supplies and pet care for lengthy periods of time if you are expected to be isolated. Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for flooding and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings. Download for iOS | Download for Android ## Make a plan You need to plan for all possible flood impacts and make decisions on what you will do across different flood scenarios. Things to think about include: - What to do, where to go, how to get there and what to take if a flood is predicted to submerge your property, or if your area is asked to prepare to evacuate or asked to evacuate immediately. - What to do and what you need if you will be isolated. - Can you lift items or sandbag your property? Secure any items that may float. - Do you need to plan for animals, stock, equipment or other important items? NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during a flood. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions during a flood. Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool or download the Emergency Kit Checklist to help you prepare your emergency kit. ## Look after each other - Help your family, friends and neighbours by planning and preparing for a flood. - Share and practice your emergency plan with family, friends and neighbours. ## Plan to respond A flood can have different impacts depending on the severity. You need to get ready based on predictions to keep people and property safe. - Review your emergency plan. - Locate your emergency kit and add medications, supplies for babies, pets and others, clothing, footwear, food and water. - Monitor media outlets for information, updates and advice. Monitor Hazards Near Me for current NSW SES warnings. - When flash flooding is likely, the best action to take is to leave low-lying homes and businesses (evacuation) well before flooding begins, but only if it is safe to do so. - NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during a flood. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions. For more information on what do to during a flood, visit the During a flood page. ## Plan to recover ## When returning to your property - NSW SES will advise it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area. - Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be especially cautious of potential contaminants including asbestos. - Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside. Use a torch to carry out inspections inside buildings. - If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater and floodwaste, or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use. - Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use. - Wear suitable protective clothing, including boots and gloves, when cleaning up. - Be aware of any slip, trip or fall hazards. - Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater and floodwaste. - Only use clean utensils and personal items. - Have a supply of fresh drinking water. Visit the Recovery page for more information on recovery from an emergency. Local information east Understand warning levels east Make an emergency plan east Prepare your home and property east What to do during a flood east Recovering from a flood east ## Resources to help you plan and prepare Flood guides and checklist - Flash flood guide east - Flood safe guide for rural properties east - NSW SES Emergency Kit Checklist east - Flood emergency plan template for caravan parks east - Pets emergency plan east Planning resources - Emergency planning checklists and guides east - Make a plan for your animals east - Electricity, gas and water safety information east - Using sandbags to protect your home east - NSW State plans east - Accessibility resources east - Information for caravan parks and tourists east - Resources in your language east ## Learn more about flooding Flood types While every flood is different, common flooding events in NSW include riverine and flash flooding. east Flash flooding Flash flooding is sudden and dangerous. Knowing your local flash flood risk will help you plan, prepare, respond and recover better. east Do you live behind a levee? It is important that communities that live behind a levee know about the levee, how it works and understand their risk. east Flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley area The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Region is a flood prone area. Here's how to prepare ahead of time to reduce your risk. east ## Be prepared with these apps Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts advice and help from emergency services. Hazards Near Me Set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions. - Download for iOS open_in_new east - Download for Android open_in_new east - Go to website open_in_new east Live Traffic Plan ahead and see what hazards are impacting your route on NSW roads. - Download for iOS open_in_new east - Download for Android open_in_new east - Go to website open_in_new east BOM Weather Check for weather forecasts and warnings. - Download for iOS open_in_new east - Download for Android open_in_new east - Go to website open_in_new east Emergency Plus The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services. - Download for iOS open_in_new east - Download for Android open_in_new east - Go to website open_in_new east