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What is a strategy?

A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.

Develop a flood preparedness plan
  • Flood
  • Strategy
A flood plan will prompt you to stay prepared and take steps ahead of time to minimise damage from floodwaters.

The preparedness plan needs to consider how you will protect:

  • people (evacuation),
  • property,
  • contents,
  • items on the grounds,
  • and your car or other vehicles.

Your state's Fire and Emergency Services website is a great resource for what to include in your plan. For more information check out some examples listed under Actions below.

Actions

If a flood is approaching you should store important items as high as possible. This includes moving them upstairs or placing them on tables.

You should identify what items you want to elevate when creating your flood preparation plan. This could include items such as photos, passports and important documents. It could also include water-sensitive items such as laptops, books, etc.

Action Level
Home (Residential Building)
Application for
Existing houses
Timing
Preparation Immediately before and event
Considered by Insurers
Could my insurer consider this action beneficial?
No
Potential Savings in Risk Premium
Could this action have a tangible impact on my risk premium?
No
Cost
Very low <$1000, Low $1000-$10,000, Medium >$10,000, High >$100,000
Low
Implementation
Could be done by a Handyperson

Get some sandbags to block your drains, toilet and doorways to prepare for floods.

It's important to note that:

  • sandbags at doorways will prevent slow-moving flood water 100 mm above floor level from entering your home
  • sandbags over drains and toilets can be lifted off by high pressure water from drains and sewers. 
Action Level
Home (Residential Building)
Application for
Existing houses
Timing
Preparation Immediately before and event
Considered by Insurers
Could my insurer consider this action beneficial?
No
Cost
Very low <$1000, Low $1000-$10,000, Medium >$10,000, High >$100,000
Low
Implementation
Could be done by a Handyperson
Part of Building
Door, Door seal

If you can’t evacuate in your car, move it to higher ground. This will reduce the chances it gets flooded or swept away.

Action Level
Home (Residential Building)
Application for
Existing houses
Timing
Preparation Immediately before and event
Considered by Insurers
Could my insurer consider this action beneficial?
No
Cost
Very low <$1000, Low $1000-$10,000, Medium >$10,000, High >$100,000
Low
Implementation
Could be done by a Handyperson
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