How to prepare your home and property for a flood

Guidance on how to prepare your property if there is a risk of flooding in your area. Find out what to do during an event, and what you can do what to do before flood season.

Last updated: 08 November 2023

Listen

In an emergency

Call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening situation.
Leaving early is the safest option.
Follow flood warnings by listening to ABC local radio, on the NSW SES website, or on the Hazards Near Me app.
Never drive, swim or play in floodwaters.

On this page

Actions to take before a flood reaches you

When you hear of a possible flooding event, or a flood alert has been issued, it is time to act.

Follow your flood plan. If you don't have one, leave early before flooding occurs.
Complete as many of these tasks as you can to protect your home.

In your home

Move household items as high as possible. Put furniture on beds and then personal items on top of the furniture.
Stack electrical equipment on top.
Take out wooden drawers from furniture and cupboards that can't be moved.
Place perishable food items in plastic bags or waterproof containers.
Secure items such as refrigerators that may be dangerous if moved by flood water. If you can't secure them and you have to evacuate, leave the doors open.
Remove light bulbs from light fixtures that are below flood level.
Put sandbags over drainage holes and in toilets.

Around your home

Place plastic sheeting and sandbags at entryways to prevent water from entering your property.
Protect machinery and equipment that cannot be moved with waterproof covers or sandbagging.
Store chemicals and poisons in waterproof containers as high as possible.
Turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas.
Secure loose items in your yard and around your home.
Remove items from around your home that might collect water and attract mosquitos. Find more information on preventing bites and mosquito-borne diseases at NSW Health.

What to do before flood season

Prepare your home emergency plan.
Maintain adequate home and contents insurance. Check your insurance policy is up to date.
Prepare or inspect your emergency kit. Test batteries and check use-by dates on items like gloves and first-aid supplies.
Purchase containers to store drinking water. Purchase extra fuel supplies and hessian bags for sandbags.
Consider alternatives to carpet floor coverings.
Raise power points and air-conditioning units, if possible.
Consider planting, landscaping or building structures around your property to deflect water, improve drainage and protect your home against landslides.
Give thought to raising your house or building to protect it from floods.