A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
Loss of function is often experienced when water comes into contact with electrical devices such as:
- switchboards,
- power outlets,
- appliances including air conditioners and hot water heaters.
Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry can also be damaged when installed at floor level.
For more information on how to avoid deterioration and elevate these items, check out the resources below.
Resource
Actions
Flood water can inundate electrical system components.
This includes:
- meters
- fuses
- circuit breakers
- surge protectors
- switches
- power points
- wiring
This can cause short-circuits, malfunction and the risk of electric shock. It can also cause damage and corrosion to components.
After flood waters have receded, wiring at power outlets must be dry. Electrical compliance must be tested before power can be restored. This can help prevent damage in the first place, which can help speed recovery.
Raise the air conditioner condenser and other external services, such as hot water units and meter boards above the possible flood. This will help keep them functioning and minimise the chance of them being damaged. This can help recovery happen faster.
Place your hot water unit and all other services that are installed, above the possible flood line.
Water can impact electrical systems. This includes meters, fuses, circuit breakers, surge protectors, switches, power points, and wiring. This can cause them to short-circuit or malfunction. This can cause electric shocks. It can also cause damage and corrosion to components.
Install and raise free-standing kitchen and laundry appliances above flood level. This keeps your kitchen functioning and can prevent water damage and electrical problems.
Freestanding appliances you can move above flood levels, or place blocks under include:
- dryers
- washing machines
- ovens
- upright cookers
- refrigerators.
Make sure fridges, dishwashers, ovens and all other appliances are installed above the flood line.
A plinth (or base) is often used to support the kitchen and other cabinets. This is susceptible to damage from flood waters. These waters, even at low inundation levels, will often soak the plinth and then penetrate the structure of the cabinets.
The plinth also provides a series of cavities that are likely to trap water after the flood waters have receded. Trapped water may continue to penetrate and further damage. This includes to adjacent elements such as wall linings, framing timbers and floor coverings.
The resulting high-humidity environment in the cavity is also likely to encourage the growth of mould in the cavities. To avoid damage, consider:
- using water-resistant and waterproof materials – refer to the products listed in the resource.
- raising cabinetry above the possible flood line by either supporting it on legs or hanging it off the wall
- designing removable cabinetry below the possible flood line. Also consider cabinetry which is able to be transported to storage areas above the possible flood line
- install removable kick plates to enable cleaning under cabinetry
Use a free standing bath . It is easier to clean under than a built-in bathtub and provides no cavity for water to penetrate and possibly remain after flood waters have receded.