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Accessibility Tools

Floodwater on road

Flooding events can be dangerous for everyone but getting away quickly can be especially difficult for people with disability. You need to have a plan in place of where you will go, who you will contact and where you can get help. It also makes sense to have a go-bag ready so you can leave quickly in the event of an emergency. 

ABC Emergency has created a guide on Planning for an emergency: Flood including what to do before a flood, during a flood and after a flood as well as links to flood emergency services. It is important not to enter floodwater, even if it looks calm. Of the 159 flood-related deaths between 2005 and 2015, a Griffith University and Royal Life Saving combined study found more than half were people attempting to drive through floodwaters.

Quicklinks to | NDIS | Financial | Advocacy |

Floods Near Me

Download the Floods Near Me app or visit floodsnearme.com.au. This app and website have the following features: 

  • User's Current Location or Dropped Pin
  • Road Closed and Water Over Road locations
  • Observed River Gauge Heights (with pinch gesture Graphs and Touch-enabled historical readings)
  • Compare, Rename or make Favourite River Gauges
  • Flooded River Sections (for stations with Minor, Moderate and Major flood levels)
  • Flood Watch and Flood Warning information
  • Evacuation Warning, Evacuation Order and Evacuation All-Clear areas

Where to find out more

NSW

You should refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the latest weather warnings, NSW SES for emergency services and Live Traffic NSW for road closures.

QLD

You should refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the latest weather warnings, QLD SES for emergency services and Department of Transport and Main roads for road closures.

VIC

You should refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the latest weather warnings, VIC SES for emergency services and Vic Emergency for road closures.

SA

You should refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the latest weather warnings, SA SES for emergency services and Traffic SA for road closures.

The risk is real

Floods can be deep and fast flowing in many areas. It is important to Get Ready now and plan for what you will do in a flood.

Content warning

The following video may be distressing for some viewers. 



What to do

  • Do not enter floodwater. Don’t drive into it; don’t walk into it, don’t swim in it and don’t let children play in it. Flood water may appear calm and low, but it is unpredictable, may rise quickly and swift currents running underneath the surface may not be apparent. There may also be debris hiding behind the surface, which can pose a real hazard.
  • If caught in floodwater, call for help immediately.
  • Stay well away from fallen powerlines. If powerlines are down, water may be electrified and unsafe to enter.
  • If evacuated, do not go home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Find out where your nearest relief centre is and what the safest route is for you to get there.
  • Pack a go-bag of essentials (if you have time) and be ready to leave quickly.
  • Let family and friends know where you are and where you are going.
  • Listen to your local radio or another local news source for up to date information.

Call for help

If you need assistance during a flood event, call your local State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 or call Triple Zero (000) if life is in danger.


Financial stuff

Centrelink

Centrelink can help with a lump sum payment of $1000 for adults or $400 for children for people who have been financially impacted by floods. 

Go to Services Australia - Natural disaster for more information and to apply online. 

Insurance

Here are our 5 Top Tips for Insurance: Flood Damage

Donations

The following charities are currently accepting donations to help people in flood-affected communities. 

GIVIT: Giv It NSW Flood Appeal

Allows you to donate a specific amount for a specific item such as fuel, pet food, groceries, sanitary products, underwear, towels etc. Once you've donated, GIVIT purchases that product in or near the town affected by the disaster and then distributes it directly to the people who require it.

Foodbank: Foodbank help NSW flood victims

Australian Red Cross: Red cross Floods appeal

Salvation Army: Salvation Army

SES: SES donations

eBility [IDEAS]: eBility can be used to list disability aids and equipment for donation or to search for free items currently available. 


NDIS

In an emergency, you should always call 000. For your own safety, please follow the advice from your local emergency services. For the latest updates in your region, including evacuation orders, visit the Queensland SES or NSW SES websites.

The NDIA priority is to support participants, their families and carers during this time. To ensure they can quickly provide support to any affected participants, they encourage you to contact the NDIS National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110. Please press “5” for help with flood-related issues.

NDIA are prioritising all calls from participants affected by severe weather events.

If you need urgent repairs or replacement of assistive technology, the NDIS National Contact Centre can help get funds authorised over the phone. Find out more about urgent AT repairs.

All NDIA offices remain closed in Queensland and NSW.


Advocacy

Should you need access to individual advocacy to support you or provide specific advice you can contact the following organisations:NSW:

Northern NSW - Hunter New England Mid North Coast

Ability Advocacy (02) 6628 8188
Disability Advocacy NSW 1300 365 085Sydney 

Western Sydney/Blue Mountains 

Disability Advocacy NSW 1300 365 085

Northern Sydney and The Central Coast 

Action for People with Disability (02) 9449 5355

Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and South Western Sydney

People with Disability Australia (02) 9370 3100 or 1800 422 015 Southern NSW, Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Murrumbidgee   
ACT Disability Aged Care Advocacy Service 02 6242 5060
Regional Disability Advocacy Services 1800 250 292QLD:  
Disability Pathways (managed by Queensland Advocacy Inc.) 1800 130 582 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Useful resources

Packing for an Emergency
NSW Disaster Relief Grants
Disaster Recovery Payments 
Moving Forward After a Crisis
Disability Inclusive Disaster Preparedness
 

The Red Cross and The ABC have partnered to bring this guide Stay Connected to help you get ready for emergencies. 

Download

pdfStay Connected


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