FLOOD RESPONSE GUIDELINES for the Community

magazine
FLOOD RESPONSE
GUIDELINES
for the Community
Traralgon Township &
Rural Surrounds

This information pack has been developed to assist our Community in
understanding the Flood Warning System and to encourage them to
develop their own flood response plan.

In the event of an emergency tune to ABC Radio FM 100.7 or AM 829

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Important Contacts
For flood information tune to ABC Radio FM 100.7 or AM 829
Name




Phone Number

Website
Flood Hotline




Number wil be broadcast on ABC Radio during times of flood
Latrobe City Council



1300 367 700

www.latrobe.vic.gov.au
Victorian State Emergency Service - East Region
(03) 5126 1500

www.ses.vic.gov.au
VicRoads Traralgon



(03) 5172 2666

www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Bureau of Meteorology: general information
1300 367 700

www.bom.gov.au
Police Traralgon



(03) 5174 0900
Ambulance Service Victoria


(03) 5134 4666
Department of Sustainability & Environment
(03) 5172 2160
Latrobe Regional Hospital


(03) 5173 8000
TXU (Energy and Gas)



13 18 98
Other Important Contacts
Page 2

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Foreword
Floods can be dramatic and quick or slow and
This document, the Flood Response Guidelines
creeping. Their power can be significant and often
for the Community, have been developed to assist
frightening.
you in this preparation and to help you in gaining
a greater understanding of the Flood Warning
Unfortunately for residents in low lying areas,
System.
floods are natural phenomena which occur in
many places where there is either a river nearby or
By reading this document and following its
the local weather can produce significant amounts
practical advice, you will have the opportunity
of rain in a short period of time. The Latrobe
to plan for a flood event and develop personal
Valley, Traralgon is one such place and the 1993,
strategies to reduce the impact that a flood event
1995 and 1999 floods provided a stark reminder of
may have on you.
the damage that localised flooding can cause.
To protect life and property it is critical to be
Environmentally, floods can be important to
prepared and to have a plan. Please don’t delay.
ecosystems. They bring soil nutrients, give the
river system a good clean out and refresh and
restore low lying wetlands. But to the community
they can have devastating economic and
emotional effects on people and their property.
Having a better understanding of flood causes,

flood management systems and flood preparation
Paul Buckley
strategies can help you to better prepare and
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
perhaps minimise or prevent flood damage.
Acknowledgement
disclAimer
Latrobe City Council, acknowledges the Victorian Flood
This information pack has been development as a guide
Warning Consultative Commit ee, Emergency Management
only. Council accepts no responsibility for any loss arising
Australia, Bureau of Meteorology, Department of Human
from the application of the information contained within this
Services, Department of Sustainability and Environment,
document.
Victoria State Emergency Service, West Gippsland
Catchment Management Authority and consultants, CT
Management Group for their support and assistance, as
wel as their contribution of data for the development and
publication of the Flood Response Guidelines.

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Table of Contents

contents
PAge

Foreword
3

Acknowledgement
3

IntroductIon – the Flood wArnIng SyStem
5

how the Flood wArnIng SyStem workS
6

Flood warnings
6

What the warnings mean
7

developIng your own Flood plAn
8

Steps to follow
8

Before the flood
9

On receipt of a flood Warning
9

During the flood
9

After the flood
10

Final tasks
10

Personal checklist
11

Personal record
12

roleS & reSponSIbIlItIeS
13

Residents/ Landholders
13

Flood information providers
13

Bureau of Meteorology
13

Latrobe City Council
13

Victoria Police
14

Victorian Farmers Federation
14

Country Fire Authority
14

Community Recovery Committee
14

Department of Human Resources, Victoria
14

Department of Sustainability & Environment
14

Volunteer Groups & Service Clubs
14

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA)
14

trArAlgon Flood InundAtIon mAp
15

trArAlgon relIeF/reportIng centre
16

perSonAl checklISt
16
Page 4

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Introduction
The Flood Warning System
Need for Flood Warnings in Traralgon
A Cooperative Effort
The Latrobe City Council Floodplain Management
The Flood Warning System represents a
Study for Traralgon recognises that most of
cooperative effort undertaken by Latrobe City
the physical works to alleviate flooding in the
Council, the Victorian Flood Warning Consultative
Traralgon and rural surrounds has now been
Committee, Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria State
undertaken. The Study identified that in addition to
Emergency Service, West Gippsland Catchment
these works, a comprehensive flood early warning
Management Authority and Department of
system was the best additional measure that could
Sustainability & Environment.
be implemented to minimise flood damage and
risk to life.
These guidelines form part of the ongoing program
of flood warning system improvements carried out
With the flood warning system now in place, it
for the Traralgon township by:
is time to assist the community in gaining and
understand of how this system works, how it can
• Bureau of Meteorology
assist them in times of flood and how they can use
• Latrobe City Council
it to prevent loss or damage.
• Victoria State Emergency Service
It is important to remember that flooding in
• Victorian Flood Warning Consultative
Traralgon and its rural surrounds can occur quickly
Committee
at any time of the year as a result of heavy rainfall
in the upstream catchment. Rapidly rising flood
Franklin St Bridge, Traralgon 2007
waters often catch people be surprise and the

key to reducing loss or damage during this time is
preparation.
The Main Purpose of the Flood Warning
System
The Flood Warning System provides real-time
information on rainfall and creek flows in the
Traralgon Catchment. This enables water
levels to be tracked throughout a flood episode
allowing early flood notices and warnings to be
communicated to the community and relevant
authorities.

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How the Flood Warning System Works
Flood Warnings are available by the following
• ABC Radio at FM 100.7 or AM 828
means:
ABC Radio. ABC Radio is the Victorian
emergency services broadcaster.
• The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) may issue
a Flood Advice if weather patterns show the
• Bureau of Metrology web site: www.bom.gov.
potential for flooding. This advice may be:
au.
◦ An Alert, Watch or Advice of possible
flooding if flood producing rain is
A Cooperative Effort
expected to happen in the near future.
The Flood Warning System represents a
The general weather forecasts can also
cooperative effort undertaken by Latrobe City
refer to flood producing rain.
Council, the Victorian Flood Warning Consultative
◦ A Generalised Flood Warning that
Committee, Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria State
flooding is occurring or is expected to
Emergency Service, West Gippsland Catchment
occur in a particular region.
Management Authority and Department of
• Victoria SES and Latrobe City Council will
Sustainability & Environment.
also distribute flood warnings issued by the
These guidelines form part of the ongoing program
Bureau of Meteorology.
of flood warning system improvements carried out
• The VoiceREACH “Xpedite” telephone
for the Traralgon township by:
system. When a Bureau of Meteorology
Flood Warning indicates a potential flood
• Bureau of Meteorology
threat to the Traralgon area, Latrobe City
• Latrobe City Council
Council will alert the appropriate properties
• Victoria State Emergency Service
via the VoiceREACH “Xpedite” Telephone
• Victorian Flood Warning Consultative
System.
Committee
• In order for this system to work, it is

imperative that Latrobe City Council has your
up to date telephone details so you can be
contacted in an emergency
• These details will be used and maintained
according to Latrobe City Council’s Privacy
Policy (available from www.latrobe.vic.gov.
au).
Page 6

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What the Warnings Mean
Minor Flooding
When a river or creek reaches a pre-defined depth
Minor flooding causes inconvenience. Low-
and is running at a certain speed, a warning will be
lying areas next to watercourses are inundated
issued. Bureau of Meteorology flood warnings are
requiring the removal of stock and equipment.
categorised as minor, moderate or major.
Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges
submerged.
The following gauge heights are indicative heights
only, based on site topography and only very
Moderate Flooding
limited observations and local knowledge.
Minor flooding with the additional requirement of

the evacuation of some properties. Main traffic
Location
Minor
Moderate
Major
routes may be covered. The area of inundation is
substantial in rural areas.
Traralgon Creek 3.5m
4.0m
4.5m
@ Traralgon (Hwy) Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Unconfirmed
Major Flooding
Gauge
In addition to the above, major flooding causes
inundation of extensive rural areas and significant
Note: Traralgon Creek @ Traralgon (Princes Hwy
urban areas. Properties and towns are likely to be
Bridge) was established in July 1998 and all flood
isolated and major traffic routes likely to be closed.
levels are based on this gauge.
Numerous evacuations may be required.
When flood levels exceed major, the Bureau may
use descriptors like “Higher than 1995, etc.” to
describe the flood.

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Developing your own Flood Plan
Steps to Follow
5. If you have to evacuate, follow your evacuation
plan. If in doubt seek advice.
The following is a sample plan listing the minimum
steps that may be taken to lessen the impact of a
6. If leaving, remember to leave early, turn off the
flood. Pages 9 and 10 of this guide provide more
gas and electricity, and block off the toilet if you
detailed guidance on how to prepare before a
have a septic tank system. Collect personal
flood and respond during and after a flood.
items, photographs, medicines, pets, etc.
Where practical, place pets (including dogs
1. Pay particular attention to weather reports,
and cats) in cages. Proceed to an evacuation
especially flood warnings. If a flood warning
centre. If you choose to leave the evacuation
is issued or you are concerned about flooding,
centre advise the centre coordinator of where
tune your radio to ABC Radio on FM 100.7 or
you are going so you may be contacted with
AM 828, the Bureau of Meteorology web site
information if required.
www.bom.gov.au or contact the Flood Hotline.
Latrobe City Council transmits warnings,
7. Avoid moving in floodwaters. There are many
information (including the Flood Hotline
hidden dangers. Try to stay together.
number) and updates during a flood or other
8. Form your own Emergency Kit and maintain it
emergency via ABC Radio on FM 100.7 or AM
in a ready condition. Some suggested items to
828.
include in your kit are:
2. Document how previous floods have affected
• portable radio and torch with fresh batteries
your property. Refer to dates or heights as you
• candles and waterproof matches
best remember them.
• reasonable stock of fresh water and tinned
3. Work out what will have to be shifted as the
food, including pet food if required
flood progresses, both on the property and also
• a first aid kit
in the house. Stack furniture and possessions
• strong shoes and rubber gloves
above the likely flood level. Move your garbage
bin, poisons and chemicals to a safe place.
• water proof bag for clothing and valuables;
Secure objects that can float and cause
and
damage or block drains.
• emergency contact numbers.
4. Floodwater may be contaminated. Where
possible, avoid contact with floodwater,
and never drink it. Pre-pack drinking water
TO RELATE THESE STEPS TO YOUR
into clean containers before it becomes
PROPERTY, REFER TO THE PERSONAL
contaminated.
CHECKLIST ON THE BACK PAGE.
Page 8

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Before the Flood
On Receipt of a Flood Warning
• Make yourself aware of your area’s flood
• Listen to ABC Radio on FM 100.7or AM
history and the effects of previous floods on
828. Ensure your portable radio has fresh
your street or locality.
batteries.
• Learn flood terminology used in the official
• Visit the Bureau of Meteorology web site –
flood warnings issued by the Bureau of
www.bom.gov.au.
Meteorology so that you can understand their
• Activate your personal flood plan.
meaning.
• Ascertain the whereabouts of other family
• Prepare a list of phone numbers - the local
members and neighbours and, if safe to do
State Emergency Service, police, ambulance,
so, check if they are safe and aware of the
hospitals, welfare organisations, etc. which
situation.
you may need in a hurry if a flood occurs.
• If possible, place possessions, poisons and
(see page 1 of this booklet). Keep one copy
chemicals above the predicted flood height
handy near your telephone and one in your
and protect electrical appliances.
electrical metre box.
• If you live in a rural area, you may need to
During the Flood
move livestock, machinery, pumps, irrigation
equipment, etc. to higher ground. If you are
• Listen to flood reports and bulletins on ABC
likely to be isolated by floodwaters, paint the
Radio on FM 100.7 or AM 828 and be ready
name of your property on the roof in large
to act. Additional information is available on
letters so your property can be identified from
the BoM Web Site – www.bom.gov.au.
the air if required.
• Do not use your phone unless it is essential.
• Storage for lighter household items can often
• Actively discourage others from sightseeing
be built into ceiling spaces.
in the flood area.
• Check with your insurance company to
• Carry out instructions issued by authorities.
understand exactly what will be covered in
• If you remain in your home during a flood,
the event of a flood. It is advisable to read,
keep a sharp eye out for unwelcome flood
understand and clarify any points that you do
visitors such as snakes and spiders coming
not fully understand in your flood insurance
indoors.
policy.
• Store garbage in plastic bags above flood
level until it can be collected.
• Avoid boating, driving, walking or swimming
in flood waters unless absolutely essential.
• Never drink flood waters.

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Developing your own Flood Plan
After the Flood
Final Tasks
It is likely that if you are affected by a flood then
These final two tasks must be done only
you will need to clean up and dry out either your
after the structure of the house has dried out
home or possessions - possibly both. Many
completely.
jobs may be undertaken by the home owner or
occupier or a competent home handyperson.
• Replace wall linings and floor coverings only
Some jobs however, (eg. electrical and plumbing
after the structural timber is dry. Remember,
work) must be done by a tradesperson or other
timber that is dry to touch may not have dried
qualified person, and should never be attempted
out completely. Drying could take months.
by the home owner or occupier.
• Leave painting and wallpapering for at least
three months after finishing the repairs (in
It may take months, rather than weeks, to get a
some situations it may take considerably
house back to its original condition. However, it
longer). If you paint and paper too soon you
is important to start work just as soon as the rain
risk all you hard work becoming mouldy,
stops and the water has receded.
blistering or peeling.
The initial tasks, which need to be done as quickly
as possible, are as follows:
Further Information
• Phone your insurance company if there has
More detailed information on flood preparation,
been any damage or loss
safety and recovery is available in: ‘A Personal
• Clean up, drain and start drying out the
Handbook of Flood Activities - What to
house as soon as flood waters recede
do Before, During and After’ published by
Emergency Management Australia and available
• Take out everything that is wet and that can
from Victoria State Emergency Service on (03)
be moved, eg. floor coverings, furniture,
5126 1500.
bedding and clothing
• On dry days, keep all doors and windows
open. On wet days, leave windows slightly
IMPORTANT NOTICE
open
This advice is given with the assumption that
• Drain away or pump out water under the
there is no structural damage such as leaning
house, and try to increase the air flow to
walls or foundation damage.
assist drying
• Check for and remove trapped water and
Consult a qualified structural engineer or
mud in wall cavities and doors, as well
building consultant if there are any signs that
as ovens and other low level appliances,
the house has moved on its foundations (eg.
cupboard floor cavities, shower trays, baths,
buckled floors, new cracks in the walls or out
benches and under shelving, etc.
of shape door and window frames).
Page 10

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