Flood emergencies and safety

Storms with heavy rainfall can happen anywhere, at any point during the year.  They are more common in Victoria from October to May, but it’s important to be prepared all year round. The Mildura municipality has experienced several significant storm events over the last several years which have resulted in flash flooding and damage to private property and community assets. 

Flood Emergencies 

The Victoria State Emergency Service VICSES is the lead agency during a flood event.

Mildura Rural City Council’s main roles in a flood event are:

  • Provide relief and recovery services to affected residents, including establishing Relief Centres when requested by emergency services. SES remains the primary agency for flood damage responses.
  • Manage Council-owned community assets and Council-managed land.
  • Manage issues involving stormwater drainage.
  • Access and repairs to local roads, including roads that are under water. The Department of Transport is responsible for major arterial roads and highways.
  • Provide support to the lead response agency and other emergency services when requested.

To contact Mildura Rural City Council call 03 5018 8100. 

What to do to reduce the impact of flooding

Before:

  • Check your household emergency plan: Refer to the SES website FloodSafe
  • If it is safe to do so, check your gutters, down pipes and drains are not blocked.

During:

  • Stay indoors and away from windows
  • If outdoors, shelter away from drains and gutters
  • Be prepared for power outages
  • Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
  • Floodwater can be toxic – never play or swim in floodwater
  • For any life threatening emergencies call 000
  • For non-life-threatening emergencies call the SES on 132 500

After:

  • Discourage people, especially children, from playing around high water and storm drains
  • Check your home and property for damage
  • Keep clear of damaged buildings, power lines and trees
  • Be aware of road hazards, such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads
  • Do not drive through affected areas unless it is absolutely necessary

What to do if flooding occurs

  • Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.  If you must enter floodwaters, wear solid shoes, not thongs or bare feet and check the depth with a stick
  • Stay away from drains and water that is more than knee height
  • Floodwaters may contain sewage.  Take appropriate precautions when cleaning up floodwater
  • Stay away from fallen power lines – electrical current passes easily through water
  • If your car stalls in rising floodwater, abandon it immediately and take shelter
  • Be aware than animals such as spiders and snakes may enter your house during a flood to try and find dryer ground
  • Wait for rescuers to come for you, avoid swimming in floodwaters
  • If outdoors, climb to higher ground and stay there
  • Keep listening to your local ABC radio station for updates
  • Keep in contact with your neighbours where possible
  • Be prepared to leave early if necessary
  • For a flood or storm emergency contact the SES on 132 500
  • When returning to your home following a flood, take precautions to reduce the chance of illness, disease or injury.  For more information see the Victorian Governments Flood Hazards Information Sheets
  • Keep power off in your home until a licensed electrician has inspected your system to ensure it is safe

 

Getting help

  • You can call the SES on 132 500 from anywhere in Victoria for flood and storm emergency assistance
  • Centrelink on 132 850 for information on social security payments and services
  • Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 650 172 for Crisis and Emergency assistance
  • Salvation Army on 13 72 58 for Disaster Recovery Assistance
  • VicRoads on 131 870 for traffic hazards and road closures for your area

 

Understanding our Urban Stormwater Drainage System

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