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With the recent impacts of Storm Alfred in Queensland, it's clear that preparation and an emergency plan are essential for managing storms and flooding. It's important to have an emergency preparedness plan to stay informed and ready, so you're not caught off guard.
Here are our tips on storm and flooding preparation to help you prepare for potential flooding, power outages, and storm damage around your home in 2025:
Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and flood warnings through local radio stations, State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology website usually share upcoming weather forecasts and flood warnings. If outages occur in your water or wastewater network serviced by Altogether, information can be found by entering your postcode here: https://altogethergroup.com.au/outages-and-maintenance/
Create a list of emergency phone numbers, including local emergency services, hospitals and essential services providers (gas, electricity and telecommunications). You may need to contact these providers if your home is impacted by flood.
Our hotline for your water and wastewater services is 1300 803 803.
When dealing with potential flooding, your electricity provider may ask you to turn off electricity and gas. Many utility providers will advise this, as floodwaters can damage electrical and gas systems. Keep in mind that your wastewater pump will also stop working during power outages, so limit toilet use to prevent overflow.
After a heavy rainfall event, pump down your pools before large rain events to make sure it doesn’t overflow onto your grass or overwhelm the sewer system during the storm.
If a flood warning is issued, you can reduce the amount of damage to your belongings by rolling up rugs/carpet, move furniture, electrical items and valuables to a higher level, as summarised by Department of Fire & Emergency Services - Prepare for flooding.
To help prevent a backflow of sewage in your toilets and bathrooms, eliminate pathways for rainwater to enter your wastewater system. The most common pathway is through sewer overflow relief gullies being installed too low. Make these Plumbing Code compliant as explained in Altogether’s Keeping Stormwater Out of Your Gully guidance note.
Also ensure that the area around the top of your wastewater collection tank freely drains away from the tank and is compliant with Altogether’s Landscaping Guide.
Preparing for a flood requires careful planning to ensure safety and minimise damage. Follow these steps for a safe and efficient way to evacuate if needed:
Check with your local council about safe routes and evacuation centres, especially after recent events. It’s a good idea for all family members to be aware of the evacuation plan, including creating designated meeting points in case of separation.
Where possible, you can prepare an emergency kit in advance, including first aid and medications, a torch, food and water, blankets and dry clothing, and important documents. Store any documents or photographs in a waterproof bag to help protect them from water damage.
Your car is a valuable asset, and even more important if you need it to get away following a disaster. In a flood, consider where your car will be safest – whether it’s on high ground or in a garage. And of course, remember it is not considered safe to attempt to drive in floodwaters – just 15cm of water can cause you to lose control.
Your safety is paramount and it’s important not to compromise this at any time. While you may want to protect your home and belongings, consider what you need to prioritise if the flood is advancing.
As advised by the NSW State Emergency Services, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they can hide dangerous hazards and increase the risk of being swept away.
Once the storm passes, assess any damage, if you notice that your wastewater system control panel (or your neighbour’s) is displaying a red light, please call us on 1300 803 803 to let us know.
When you’re cleaning up, remember that washing down driveways and patios is an approved use for recycled water.
By following these updated tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges posed by severe storms and flooding, ensuring your home and loved ones stay safe throughout 2025.
Preparation is key to reducing risks, minimising damage, and making recovery easier in the aftermath of a flood. Whether it’s having an organised evacuation plan, securing important belongings, or understanding how to stay safe during and after a storm, every step you take now can make a significant difference. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, as we have seen from the recent events of Storm Alfred, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever. Take the time to put these measures in place today so you can face the unexpected with confidence and peace of mind.
