Preparing for floods

Published on 02 November 2022

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION – FLOODS

There are many areas in the Central Goldfields Shire that are prone to flooding and we are expecting to see an increase in flooding in the future.

We’ve put this information together to support you so that you can be flood ready and safe. We appreciate there is a lot to think about – so we encourage you to familiarise yourself with this information and where you can get support before, during and after a flood event.

For more detailed information visit the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) website – the lead agency for flooding in Victoria.

BEFORE

STAY INFORMED

PREPARE

It’s important to have a flood plan so you know how to prepare your home:

  • Bag it: Get your sandbags ready and in place to prevent water from entering your property. For sandbagging collection points and guides visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/sandbags
  • Block it: Block drains, toilets and doorways
  • Lift it: Lift your valuables up high
  • Leave: Know where you will go if you need to leave

For more information on how to prepare visit the Victoria State Emergency Service website: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/flood

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VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTER

The Vulnerable Persons Register is a local list of people who may need consideration in an emergency. A vulnerable person is someone living in the community who is:

■ Frail and/or physically or cognitively impaired; and

■ unable to comprehend warnings and directions and/or respond in an emergency situation.

If you or someone you know is vulnerable and would need assistance in an emergency please have them contact their service provider (someone who provides a care service in their home) to discuss their eligibility for being added to the Vulnerable Persons Register.

For more information visit the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website at www.dffh.vic.gov.au

DURING:

STAY INFORMED

IN AN EMERGENCY

  • Triple Zero: Dial 000 for life threatening medical and emergency assistance
  • SES: Call 132 500 or visit www.ses.vic.gov.au (calls to this number are encouraged – as it alerts the SES of the scale of the emergency).
  • Police: Only in an emergency dial 000

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.

 

WARNING LEVELS

There are three different levels of warning:

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IF TOLD TO EVACUATE

Evacuation alerts are a State Government decision which is informed by local input.

An alert is first released through the Vic Emergency website and app https://emergency.vic.gov.au/ - these messages will be shared via emergency broadcasters and shared by Council’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/centralgoldfields and website www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au

If you choose to evacuate options include:

  • Go to the relief centre – Once directed by the SES, Council will open an Emergency Relief Centre where people who have been displaced or can’t get to their homes can go. The Centre offers shelter, first aid, catering, information, personal support and emergency assistance. Please note - the location of a Relief Centre cannot be pre-determined – it is dependent on the nature of the emergency.
  • Family or friends’ homes located in a safe location, away from flooding.
  • Other unaffected area.

REGISTERING YOUR DETAILS

If you are leaving your home, residents are encouraged to register their details with the Relief Centre – even when they are staying with friends or family. Residents can do this by visiting the Relief Centre in person or by calling Council’s Municipal Recovery Manager on 0447 863 619.

PETS

If you are relocating to the Relief Centre and need a safe place to take your pets, the Central Goldfields Pound will be available to help you. Given that there is limited space, priority will be given to residents who have been asked to evacuate. For emergency assistance contact 0407 508 448.

The Maryborough Vet Practice may be an option depending on the emergency and their space and staff resourcing. Contact 5461 4466.

FARMS

Farmers should monitor water levels and if needed move livestock, machinery and/or fodder to higher ground.

Farmers should also think about having several days of feed reserves to allow for the impacts of prolonged road closures in some places. Where safe, check your animals, particularly those who may have spent time standing in mud or water.

For more information visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods

TRAVELLING BY CAR

Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater. If you are travelling by car: Do not drive through floodwater. Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.

Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees. If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low lying areas and floodwater.

ROAD CLOSURES

For information on road closures throughout the municipality visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/roadclosures For information on arterial road closures visit https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

AFTER:

Visit our dedicated Flood Recovery and Support page – www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/floodrecovery

For road closure info visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/roadclosures 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

  • Nurse on Call: 24hr caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.
  • Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services, 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
  • Beyond Blue: Information and support for anxiety and/or depression, 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au
  • Kids Help Line: 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25, 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
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