Storm Preparation & Flood Readiness: What to Do Beforehand
Preparing for Flood Season: Storm Readiness for Australian Homes & Workplaces
Floods are Australia’s most frequent natural disaster—and among the costliest. Whether you live in a high-risk zone or operate a business near rivers, lowlands or stormwater channels, storm preparation is essential.
This guide outlines key disaster readiness tips, what to include in your flood safety kits, and how tools like portable fire pumps and first aid supplies can make a major difference in emergency response and recovery.
Why Storm Preparation Matters
The Bureau of Meteorology reports over 80% of natural disaster declarations in Australia involve floods.
Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia are among the most affected states by storm and flash flooding.
Insurance claims related to flooding exceeded $6 billion during major 2022–2023 flood events.
Recent floods in New South Wales isolated nearly 50,000 residents, prompting over 350 rescues by the NSW State Emergency Service.
Oil, sewage, and fuel contamination are common post-flood risks, posing significant health hazards
Being unprepared costs more than gear. It risks lives, property, and livelihoods.
8 Key Flood Readiness Steps
1. Create a Storm Emergency Plan
Assign roles (e.g. who turns off power, who gathers kits)
Know evacuation routes and emergency contacts
Keep printed maps in case of power or mobile outages
Regularly rehearse the plan with all household or team members.
2. Pack a Flood Safety Kit
Every household or business should keep a ready-to-grab flood safety kit containing:
Waterproof torch and spare batteries
First aid kit
Essential medications and prescriptions (Check expiries)
Bottled water and non-perishable food
Important documents in sealed ziplock bags or waterproof containers
Power bank for mobile charging
Rain gear, high-vis clothing and safe shoes
Whistle, gloves, and face masks
3. Clear Gutters & Drainage Points
Clear leaves and debris before a major storm hits
Ensure drainage flows away from your building foundations
4. Use Sandbags and Flood Barriers
Place sandbags in doorways, garages, and known leak points
Raise appliances and move items off ground level where possible
5. Use Portable Fire Pumps to Transfer Flood Water
When water breaches low-lying properties, speed is crucial – Our Amphibio Range of portable fire pumps are:
Engine-driven for off-grid performance
Lightweight and easy to deploy
Ideal for floodwater transfer, tank refilling, or site cleanup
Capable of moving large water volumes quickly and safely
Ideal for homeowners, emergency responders, and rural sites.
6. Protect Electricals & Machinery
Use waterproofing for outlets and switchboards
Disconnect power and gas during severe weather
7. Know Your Risk Level
Check local council flood mapping tools and subscribe to alerts from:
BOM – Bureau of Meteorology
Emergency WA, SES, or your state’s disaster alert services
8. Train Your Team or Family
Conduct a seasonal storm drill
Restock kits and inspect equipment quarterly
Run a storm preparation drill at least once a year. Review what worked, what didn’t, and update kits accordingly.
After the Flood: What to Do
Check electrical systems and gas connections before restarting
Photograph all damages for insurance claims before touching anything
Wear gloves and boots when cleaning debris
Disinfect surfaces and discard contaminated food or soft furnishings
Contact your local council for waste collection and hazardous material removal
Ensure the safety of the environment before returning to properties.
Seek support from local councils and emergency services for cleanup and recovery assistance.
Return only after official clearance
Use Amphibio pumps to remove residual water
Wear PPE to avoid infection or chemical exposure
Check first aid supplies and refill any used materials
Recommended Storm Preparation Products
Government Support and Resources
Legislative Frameworks
The Australian Disaster Preparedness Framework outlines the nation’s approach to managing severe disasters.
The Emergency Response Fund Act 2019 provides funding for disaster recovery and preparedness initiatives.
AS/NZS 3745:2010: Requires emergency planning and response procedures
Environmental Protection Acts: Mandate responsible water, fuel, and chemical management
Government Initiatives
The Disaster Ready Fund allocates up to $1 billion over five years to support disaster resilience projects.
The National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program delivers funding for flood mitigation infrastructure projects.
All West Australians Reducing Emergencies (AWARE) program
Support Services
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) coordinates Australia’s emergency management efforts.
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 provide financial assistance to states and territories for disaster recovery.
