How to prepare your home for a flood

Flooding can cause serious damage to homes and belongings, particularly in parts of Australia that experience heavy rainfall or severe weather. While it is not always possible to prevent flooding, taking some simple steps ahead of time may help reduce damage and support your safety.

The information below is general in nature and is intended to help households think about flood preparedness.

Before a flood

Preparing early can make it easier to act quickly if flooding is forecasted.

Understand your local risk

• Be aware of whether your area has a history of flooding.
• Stay informed through trusted sources such as local councils and emergency services.
• Monitor weather conditions and flood warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Flood Warning Service, which provides official information on rainfall, river levels, and flood alerts across Australia. Visit: https://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/
• Review information provided by your state or territory emergency service, which often includes local flood plans, safety advice, and guidance on how to prepare for severe weather events in your area.

Create a household plan

• Discuss what you and your family would do if flooding occurs.
• Identify safe exits and meeting points.
• Consider how you would care for pets or livestock if needed.

Prepare an emergency kit

A basic kit may include:

• Important documents stored in waterproof packaging.
• A torch, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
• Essential medications and first-aid supplies.
• Drinking water and non-perishable food.

Protect your home where possible

• Consider raising electrical items off the floor where practical.
• Clear gutters and drains to help water flow away from the home.
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could be moved by water.

When flooding is expected

If flooding is forecasted or heavy rain is occurring, it may help to take additional precautions.

• Continue to monitor updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and your state or territory emergency service.
• Follow advice and instructions issued by local authorities.
• Move valuable items to higher areas of the home if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid driving or walking through floodwater, as conditions can change quickly. Your safety should always come first.
• If you are instructed to evacuate, it is important to do so promptly.

After a flood

Once floodwaters have receded, returning home safely is the priority.

• Wait until local authorities confirm it is safe to return.
• Be cautious of electrical hazards and structural damage.
• Wear protective clothing when cleaning up, as floodwater may be contaminated.
• Document any damage before cleaning where possible.

Thinking about insurance

Flood preparedness is about safety and readiness. When preparing for a flood, reviewing your policy documents can help you understand what is covered.

If you are unsure, speaking with your local Elders Insurance agent can help you obtain general information about insurance options.

This article was compiled based on information available to Elders Insurance at the time of publishing. The general advice in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You must decide whether or not it is appropriate, in light of your own circumstances, to act on this advice. This guide does not form part of any insurance policy and is not used in the assessment of insurance claims. Any insurance claim will be assessed against the policy terms and conditions and applicable law.