FLOODS 

ABOUT THE NEW AWS

Learn about the new Australian Warning System (AWS) at these sites.

Australian Warning System DFES

Australian Warning System - National

CALL TO ACTION - ADVICE

• Prepare now
• Stay informed
• Monitor conditions
• Stay informed/threat is reduced
• Avoid the area
• Return with caution

CALL TO ACTION - WATCH AND ACT

• Prepare to leave/evacuate
• Leave/evacuate now (if you are not prepared)
• Prepare to take shelter
• Move/stay indoors
• Stay near shelter
• Walk two or more streets back
• Monitor conditions as they are changing
• Be aware of ember attack
• Move to higher ground (away from creeks/rivers/coast)
• Limit time outside (cyclone, heat, asthma)
• Avoid the area/avoid the flooded area
• Stay away from damaged buildings and other hazards
• Prepare for isolation
• Protect yourself against the impacts of extreme heat
• Do not enter flood water
• Not safe to return
• Prepare your property (cyclone/storm)

CALL TO ACTION - EMERGENCY WARNING

• Leave/evacuate (immediately, by am/pm/hazard timing)
• Seek/take shelter now
• Shelter indoors now
• Too late/dangerous to leave

PREPARING FOR A FLOOD

People who prepare for a flood before it happens are more likely to keep themselves, their families and pets safe. Find out about preparing your flood plan and steps you can take to reduce the impact and damage from floodwaters. 

You should prepare your home and property for potential flooding.

• Check your home, contents and car insurance cover are in order.
• Identify where and how to turn off the electricity, gas and water mains.
• Purchase emergency equipment such as containers to store drinking water, extra fuel supplies and hessian bags for sandbags.
• Store all chemicals and poisons well above ground level.
• Identify items that you will want to raise if floodwaters threaten your home.
• Consider alternatives to carpet floor coverings.
• Relocate electricity sockets and power points to well above floor level.

Find out more on how to prepare for a flood at the DFES website

DURING A FLOOD 

If a flood is expected, and you have time before it arrives, there are a number of things you can do to keep your property and belongings safe.

• Follow directions on how to stay safe in the official warning on Emergency WA.
• Remind everyone in your household of your flood plan, including for pets and animals.
• Secure you property inside and out
• Locate your emergency kit and add your additional items.
• Make sure everyone knows to call 000 in a life-threatening situation.
• Check on family, friends and neighbours.

Find out more on what to do during a flood at the DFES website

RECOVERING FROM A FLOOD 

Floods cause severe damage and disruptions to households and communities. Find out what to expect after a flood and what action you can take to recover.

• Seek support from welfare organisations.
• Talk to your family, friends and neighbours about their experience.
• Rely on official information from the authorities.
• Get involved in community activities when you feel comfortable.
• Have comprehensive insurance.
• Try to get your children back into their normal routine as quickly as possible.

Find out more on how to recover from a flood at the DFES website

STAY INFORMED 

"Stay Alert!"

Radio

Community Alerts are available on the local radio, ABC North West and television stations. It is a good idea to have a battery-operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries on hand to keep up to date with the regular updates broadcasted. 

Available Radio Stations for Carnarvon and Coral Bay

• ABC NORTHWEST 

Download the ABC Listen App on Apple or Android devices, and select ABC Pilbara - Note this will only be accessible if mobile data signal is available.

Television

Keep your eye on the weather forecasts on all free to air channels. 

Websites and APPS

• Bureau of Meteorology
• Emergency WA
• Emergency Alert - Western Australia Contacts
• Mainroads WA - Travel Information
• Shire of Carnarvon Road Conditions
• DFES Facebook 

TRAVELLING?  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

TRANSLATE

The Shire of Carnarvon and the Department of Emergency Services takes every precaution to ensure your safety and the safety of our community. 

Please be alert, watch for advice and abide by the directions given.  

People travelling through Carnarvon, at the time of an imminent flood may be asked:

• Regularly Check Mainroads WA - Travel Information and  Shire of Carnarvon Road Conditions  for road conditions and closures
• to keep moving on if it is safe to do so and roads are still open
• directed to where the caravan or camper can be parked.
• people will be evacuated from tourist and holiday parks under threat of the flood
• asked to move to the Evacuation Centre (Woolshed, Carnarvon Civic Centre)
• Ensure you have an emergency kit
• keep your passport and documents with you at all times
• Do Not Drive On Closed Roads! Stay put!  Driving on a closed road may incur a fine.

All directions will be provided by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) with the assistance of the Shire of Carnarvon.  

You can contact the Shire of Carnarvon for information and directions as provided by DFES.

• Keep yourself informed at all times
• Ensure you are in a safe place inside the levy banks
• Listen and watch for evacuation or other directions in the media, DFES and Shire Facebook pages and the Shire website.

Be Aware

• Supermarkets will enforce item limits if stocks are low during emergency events such as a cyclone or flood
• Supplies to town can take from 3 to 7 days to come through after a cyclone has passed (this will depend on highway damages and access)

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

• Close and lock doors and windows and draw blinds and curtains.
• Move furniture, clothing and valuables to the highest point possible in your house.
• Prepare and lay sandbags (to prevent water entering your home).

• Relocate and secure all outdoor loose items, including chemicals and poisons.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and all external television and radio aerials (if instructed by emergency services).
• Turn off electricity, water and gas main supplies (if instructed).
• Move your vehicle to higher, safer ground.

DFES - Sandbagging Guide

DRIVING IN A FLOOD

Simple message... DON'T!!

It is not safe to drive through flood water.  

You may think your 4WD will be safe to drive through a flooded area. You will never know 100% what lies beneath the water. Roads and bridges could be washed away.  Some tips to determine if your 4WD may be suitable to the conditions:

• If the water level is up to your knee, don't drive it
• If the water is flowing, don't drive it
• If you're ever unsure, don't drive it

Get out and Check... Don't trust what you can see.  Flood water is opaque, you can't see through it.  So do the knee deep test, if it is safe!

FACT SHEETS

DFES has provided a number of fact sheets.  Please take some time to read them.  It could prevent you or a member of your family from injury or death.

DFES - Driving Through Flood Waters Fact Sheet

DFES - Travelling during the wet season Fact Sheet

Go to the DFES website for more information