Flood Preparation
When you need to prepare for a flood, we are here
Preparing for a flood
In Australia, we have a high risk of flooding near river areas during and after heavy rainfall. Storm surges caused by cyclones can also flood low-lying coastal areas.
Some floods can develop slowly while others, like flash flooding, can develop in an instant, without visible signs of rain. All have one thing in common – they can cause disastrous damage.
That’s why if you’re in an area prone to flooding, it’s vital that you keep prepared to help ensure the safety of you, your family and your employees.
Before a flood
Here are some practical tips to help you prepare and reduce your risk. And remember if you need any assistance – feel free to reach out to your account manager.
- If you haven’t already, prepare an emergency kit and keep it handy (this can include things like first aid supplies, torch, battery operated radio, important documents and medicines)
- Identify where and how to turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working order
- If a warning is issued for your area, ensure your mobile battery is full and you have a full tank of fuel.
At the onset of a flood
Please only take action if it’s safe to do so. If you need any further guidance, please contact us. For emergencies, please call 000.
- Use local alerts and warning systems to stay up to date with expert information and advice
- Follow emergency services advice; when directed to do so, evacuate immediately
- If safe to do so, bring any outdoor furniture indoors
- Be wary of rising waters when driving, and don’t drive across flood waters
- Move essential items to an upper floor
- Turn off utilities at the main switches and disconnect electrical appliances (do not touch electrical equipment if they are wet or any part of your body is submerged in water).
Useful links and contacts
At the onset of a flood
Please only take action if it’s safe to do so. For emergencies, please call 000.
- Listen to your battery operated radio for updates
- If an official evacuation order is issued then you must leave immediately and seek shelter at an evacuation centre designated by authorities.
Emergency contacts
- In an emergency call 000
- State Emergency Services (SES) information
Weather information
If you’ve been affected by a flood, Austbrokers Countrywide is here
Important: please do not return to your property or vehicle until emergency services have confirmed you can.
We understand this is a stressful time for you, your family and your business, so we’ll do everything we can to make it easier for you.
We’ve listed important information below on how to lodge a claim, precautions you should take, and tips to help with a smooth claim process.
Precautions to take after a flood
Importantly, the safety of you, your loved ones and employees comes first. Please contact us if you need any further guidance. For emergencies, please call 000.
- If you have evacuated, it’s extremely important that you do not return to your property or vehicle until emergency services advise it’s safe to do so
- Use local alerts and warning systems to get expert information and advice
- Stay away from damaged areas and out of any property if it’s surrounded by floodwater
- Additional flooding or flash flooding can occur; keep up to date with local warnings and information
- Be wary of rising waters when driving and do not drive through floodwater
- Avoid floodwater as it may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage
- Drinking water may also be contaminated so wait for news reports to confirm whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your area
- Take photos and dispose of any items that have been affected by contaminated floodwater.
How to make a claim
- Our Claims Service Team on is here for you at any time, any day of the week.
During office hours please call 03 9835 1320. Click here for our after hours contacts
Tips for lodgement
- Tell us if there’s an immediate danger e.g. emergency requirements, possible roof collapse, unable to return to the property for a period of time etc.
- If your property or vehicle is not completely damaged, take precautions where possible to secure them – only if it’s safe to do so
- If your vehicle is damaged, have its approximate location ready to tell our operator
- Take photographs of any damage – where safe to do so
- Do not dispose of any damaged parts of your property, contents or vehicle until we have agreed
- Do not wash, clean or remove debris from any damaged area without our consent – unless you need to do this to prevent further damage or for sanitation
- Do not carry out or authorise any repairs without our consent – unless you need to for emergency or safety reasons.
Emergency information and contacts
- In an emergency call 000
- State Emergency Services (SES) information
Remember that Austbrokers Countrywide is here for you – before, during and after a bushfire. If you need assistance or any further guidance, please contact us.