Frankston State Emergency Services

Types of Flooding

Riverine flooding

Riverine flooding occurs when rivers burst their banks, inundating surrounding low lying land.

In places where land is less steep and you are farther away from the headwaters, flooding may rise relatively slowly (compared to flash flooding) over many hours or days.

The expected arrival time and the depth of floodwater can often be predicted so a flood warning can be issued. The depth of floodwater in these locations can be great and in some coastal rivers water can rise many metres above their normal level.

Staying inside a house, even one which you think is high enough, may be very dangerous. If you are warned to evacuate it is always best to move to a safe location before floodwater arrives.

In places where the land is flat and a long way from the headwaters of rivers, such as inland western Victoria, floods may take many days or weeks to arrive. The depths will not be great but huge areas can be flooded and people and animals can be isolated for many weeks.


Flash flooding

Flash flooding usually occurs along creeks and drains which have small catchment areas and results in the rapid rise of floodwaters over a short period of time sometimes only minutes.

Although a warning of the chance of heavy rain might be possible, the arrival time and depth of floodwater cannot normally be predicted. Flood depth can be many metres above the ground level but flooding does not last more than a few hours.

If you become trapped inside your home or workplace by flash flooding, it is often safer to stay inside than risk getting swept away in floodwater outside.

Dam Failure

Although dam failures are rare, their effects can be significant. In Victoria dam safety is monitored and warning arrangements are in place to warn downstream residents of potential dam failure threats. Should dam failure occur, significant downstream flooding with potentially swift flowing water and high amounts of debris can occur.

Storm Surge

Severe low pressure systems at sea result in large waves and elevated ocean levels which can cause flooding of low-lying properties along the coast and along estuaries, embayment and coastal lagoons. Residents need to closely monitor their properties during large storm events for flooding and erosion.

Flood Management

Floods are manageable because it is known where floods will occur and flood behaviour can be predicted quite accurately. What are not known is when the flood will happen and how big it will be. It is these factors that need to be taken into account in floodplain development and management.

There are many possible management responses to flooding including:

Summary of Major Floods in Victoria

Caravan Parks

Many Victorian Caravan Parks are built on floodplains and need to prepare emergency plans to manage the impacts of flooding upon their properties.

Caravan Park emergency plans should contain:

You should make sure that owners and occupiers of vans are made aware that the park is flood liable and outline the evacuation and van relocation arrangements.

A copy of the evacuation plan should be displayed in public areas such as amenities block and office, as well as in each van owned by the park.

Ensure that van owners are aware that if they are likely to be absent from their vans for extended periods they should provide the manager with a key, a contact address and phone number and to leave their van (if it is a moveable type) in a condition allowing it to be relocated (tyres inflated, jacks wound up and services readily detached)

The SES has prepared a the Victorian Caravan Park Emergency Management Plan Guidelines and Template to assist park managers prepare emergency plans that deal with flooding.

The Victoria Caravan Parks Flood Emergency Management Plan Guidelines and Template was prepared with input from a steering committee comprising representatives of the Victoria Catchment Management Authorities, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Victoria State Emergency Service, the City of Greater Shepparton and the Victorian Caravan Parks Association.

This resource was funded by the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.

Downloads:

Click a link below to download the following documents

Victoria Caravan Parks Flood Emergency Management Plan Guidelines
Victoria Caravan Parks Flood Emergency Management Plan Template - Adobe PDF | Ms Word

You may also use the Business FloodSafe online toolkit to assist you with your plan preparation.

Rural FloodSafe

Understanding Warning Systems

Flood Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and help you be better prepared.

A Flood Watch notifies the community in specific regions of a potential flood threat from a developing weather situation. A Flood Watch means a flood is possible in those areas and is issued 24-36 hours before any likely flooding. People living, camping or working along rivers or streams should regularly check weather forecasts, rainfall totals and river levels and be ready to take action.

Flood Warnings are issued when flooding is about to, or is already happening. They predict the flood size (minor, moderate or major) and estimate the time that the river height will reach certain river gauges. When flood warnings are issued, people in low-lying areas prone to flooding need to activate their flood emergency plan immediately.

Minor Flooding

Moderate Flooding
In addition to the above

• Water levels overtop river banks and inundates low lying areas
• Flood water starts to approach buildings and infrastructure
• Some properties may be inundated by rising flood water, requiring evacuation
• Caravan parks on waterways may be inundated
• Main traffic routes may be closed by flood water

Major Flooding
In addition the above

• Water levels overtop river banks and causes extensive inundation on the flood plain
• Farmland is inundated, stock and equipment losses may occur
• Residential and commercial properties are inundated
• Properties and towns may be isolated
• Major traffic routes may be closed
• Numerous evacuations may be required

Flash floods can happen after heavy rain that sees a rapid rise of water over a short period of time, sometimes just minutes. There may be little or no warning time, so watch the weather, be prepared to act quickly.

The SES issues Flood Bulletins to further inform the community about likely flood consequences and what actions to take including if people need to evacuate. See current Flood Bulletins

Home Emergency Plan

What to consider in a Home Emergency Plan

It always pays to have a plan. In developing your home emergency plan you should consider:

What if I have special needs?

Keeping in touch with friends and neighbours provides practical support and information and can help you cope emotionally as well.

For a useful guide in developing your plan download VICSES Home Emergency Plan or see www.redcross.org.au

What if I have Special Needs?

People with special needs or their carers need to think carefully about their plan. They may:

Even if you only need help from a neighbour, talking about it now will ease your mind and make sure everything is in place.

If you have a carer or council support, ask them to prepare or check over your plan.

Local Flood Information

Are you at risk of flooding?

To find out more about your chances of experiencing flooding contact your local council or catchment management authority.

In some areas of the State the SES has developed local community FloodSafe brochures.

These are provided below:

Flood Emergency Plans

The SES prepares emergency plans for flooding to ensure strategies such as evacuation plans are developed to manage the impacts of flooding.

Links

Department of Sustainability of Environment

Catchment Management Authorities

• www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
• http://www.egcma.com.au/
• www.nccma.vic.gov.au
• www.ccma.vic.gov.au/
• www.wgcma.vic.gov.au
• www.necma.vic.gov.au
• www.glenelg-hopkins.vic.gov.au/
• www.wcma.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Water
www.melbournewater.com.au


Bureau of Meteorology
www.bom.gov.au

Business FloodSafe

Flooding maybe a risk to your business. This threat can be managed through some simple preparedness actions.

A Business FloodSafe Plan will help you manage the risk of flooding to your business.

Floods can threaten:

For more information on how much a flood could cost you use the flood damage calculator

Developing a Business FloodSafe Plan can:

• • Save lives and prevent injury
  • Comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations
  • Reduce damage to stock, plant, equipment and fittings
  • Reduce the amount of time that you cant trade
  • Ensure customers will return when trading commences
  • Minimise the loss of profits
  • Protect employment
  • Protect your business reputation and image.

Being FloodSafe is not expensive or time consuming its your best insurance.

Create a Business FloodSafe Plan now:

Creating a Business FloodSafe Plan

Business FloodSafe Calculator

Before the Flood

How to prepare for floods

When Flooding May Be Imminent

When it is likely that flooding will occur, take the follow action immediately.

• Listen to your radio for information and advice
• Check that your neighbours are safe and aware
• Remember your meter box sticker (if installed) and consider the actions you need to take If necessary
• Stack possessions on benches and tables with electrical goods in the highest places
• Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
• Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
• Locate important papers, valuables and mementoes and put them in your emergency kit
• Business owners should raise stock, records and equipment on benches and tables
• Rural property owners should move livestock and farm equipment and relocate pumps to high ground
• Sheds and outbuildings should be checked with contents moved to higher ground
• If isolation is likely, have enough non-perishable food, essential medications, fuel and other necessities to last at least a week
• Do not forget pet food and stockfeed

Preparation for floods goes further than home and contents. It is important that the occupants of the household are also prepared and that children understand these arrangements.

• Meet with your family to develop your Home Emergency Plan
• Explain the dangers of high waters and flooding to children
• Plan and practise your escape routes
• Establish a safe meeting point in case of a sudden emergency
• Discuss how you will care for pets in the event you decide to leave early
• Learn how and when to turn off the utility mains such as gas, electricity and water
  

Home Emergency Kit

During the Flood

When flooding has begun

If you choose to leave

• Take your emergency kit with you
• Turn off the electricity, gas and water as you leave
• Head to your relief centre as advised
• Take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind.
• Dogs should be muzzled
• Don’t forget your medication

When you leave early

Proceed to the relief centre you are advised to go to. Be sure to leave well before roads are closed by water. Help services available from the relief centre are likely to include:

• Temporary accommodation
• Financial assistance
• Personal support
• Refreshments and meals
• Clothing and personal needs
• Help to ontact family friends

If you are isolated

VICSES will coordinate the supply of essential items to communities and properties that are cut off by floodwaters.

Do not try to swim through floodwaters. Floodwaters disguise hidden dangers such as electricity, fallen trees, strong currents and chemicals.

After the Flood

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede:

At your home or business:

• Keep the electricity off until checked by an electrician
• When entering the building, use a torch to light your way
• Never use matches, cigarette lighters or any other naked flame as there may be flammable gas trapped inside
• As floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from the surrounding community, dispose of any food or medication that it may have contacted
• Clean your home straight away to ensure good health
• Boil all drinking water until authorities indicate that the water supply is safe
• Take numerous photographs of all damage for insurance
• Have all electrical items that got wet professionally tested prior to use
• Have gas appliances inspected and cleaned to prevent a gas explosion or fire

The Department of Human Services is a valuable source of information for post flood recovery information.

Review http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/emergency_mgmnt/flood_hazards.htm or contact your nearest DHS office for a series of detailed fact sheets on how to recover from floods.

Available fact sheets include:

• Boil Drinking Water - Flood Areas
• Steps to Check on Wall Insulation
• Control of Mould and Fungal Growth in and Under Flooded Houses
• Flood Action Guide
• Mosquito Prevention Should Start Now
• Repainting After Flood Damage
• Repairing Flood Damaged Buildings
• Possible Water Damage to Internal Wall Linings
  

StormSafe and FloodSafe Games

Try out your skills and find out just how StormSafe or FloodSafe you are. Click on a game below and it will pop up in a new window.

Floods in Victoria

Floods occur when water covers land that is normally dry. River flooding is a natural phenomenon whereby a river periodically overflows its banks and inundates the surrounding land called a floodplain.

There are different types of floods, some occur slowly while other occur quickly with little warning.

Once people settle a floodplain flooding becomes a risk. Floodwaters can affect:

Your property doesn’t need to be flooded for you to be affected by flooding, your home or work place could become isolated or suffer disruption due to the loss of essential services such as electricity.

Victoria has along history of flooding. If you live close to a river or creek you should expect it to flood at sometime.

Victoria has many flood prone communities. Currently floods cost Victorians some $465 million on average annually. An estimated 150,000 homes and businesses in Victoria are susceptible to flooding at least once on average in a one hundred year period.

To learn more about flooding in your local area contact your local council or Catchment Management Authority. The SES has also prepared local flood information guides for some flood prone communities

SES is the control agency for flooding in Victoria, this involves: planning for floods including assisting Municipalities to develop plans; conducting community education and controlling flood operations including controlling the dissemination of emergency information about flooding to the community, controlling the protection of property, assisting with evacuations and rescuing people from the dangers of floodwaters.

Floods are one of the most manageable and predictable of natural hazards and it is possible to minimize the effects and impact of them.

Flood warnings are available for most flood prone communities. Learn more about flood warning systems
Learn more about what you can do to manage the effects of flooding on your home, workplace or farm

• Download a FloodSafe Guide
• Learn more by visiting our links