Get flood ready – SES

After severe flooding in New South Wales, and the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a wetter than average spring, the SES is hosting a Flood Information Session in Bacchus Marsh this month.

Due to the La Niña weather event, higher than average rainfall is likely between now and the end of the year.

VICSES Regional Operations Manager for the Grampians Region, James Cini, says that while floods don’t occur very often, “as was shown in the recent NSW floods, they can have long lasting impacts on the community”.

“Floods can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast, so you need to keep away from trees, drains, culverts and stay off the road during flooding to keep you and your family safe,” Mr Cini said.

“The Bacchus Marsh Local Flood Guide is a valuable tool to support residents to prepare for floods and other emergencies, and to act quickly and responsibly to minimise the impact and ultimately the toll of the emergency event.”

The SES is inviting the Bacchus Marsh community to attend a Flood Information Session at the Bacchus Marsh Community Hall on Friday 28 October, any time from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Community members are welcome to drop in at any time during that period, with SES personnel to run attendees through how to prepare for a flood, and what to do to stay safe during an emergency.

There are a number of simple steps that can be taken to plan and prepare for flood and other emergencies, and now is the time to start, before major flooding occurs.

You can find your local flood guide, and how to plan and prepare for a flood, at www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe.

The SES emphasises to never drive through floodwater – just 15 centimetres of flowing floodwater can float a small car, and the number once cause of death in a flood is people trying to drive through floodwater.

If you require assistance from the SES during storms and floods, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).