News

Advice on what to do in flood conditions

By Murray Silby

Oct 13, 2022

**Imminent danger**: VicEmergency has warned people in low lying areas along the Goulburn River between Lake Eildon and Seymour to act now to protect themselves. Photo by Murray Silby

VicEmergency has issued a major flood warning for people in low lying areas along the Goulburn River between Lake Eildon and Seymour, and told them to move to higher ground.

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It says these areas could be impacted anytime from Thursday afternoon and people located in those areas, or close to a waterway, are in danger and should act now to protect themselves.

VicEmergency has issued the following advice for people in the warning area.

What you should do:

Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.
Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
Refer to the Seymour flood guide at ses.vic.gov.au for more information.

If you choose to leave:

Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
Turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace.
Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
A relief centre will be open later this afternoon at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Pollard St. Seymour.

If you are travelling:

Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around and find a safe alternative route.
Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.

If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:

Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
Lift it - move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.

You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.

Impacts in your area:

Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur in many locations.
Widespread flooding of the area.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfloods)
Tune into ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

Accessibility:

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.

To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/22730/moreinfo