Flood season in Australia can bring extreme weather and it’s important to be ready to face an emergency. Major flooding caused by tropical storms can be a big problem. In 2019 alone, it’s estimated that flooding damage topped $1 billion in Queensland.
So, how can you prepare and stay safe?
Well, fortunately, there are a few steps you can take. Start by creating a flood plan and make sure everyone you live with knows what it is. It can help to write this down and place it somewhere everyone can access it.
You should also make sure you know the flood alerts issued by the government. For example, there are five levels in Western Australia. Remember, “Evacuate Now” means you need to leave immediately.
It can also be important to have a generator available for use in case the electricity goes out, a water pump for drying out, and an emergency pack. Here’s more about each of these.
Have a Generator On-Hand
Of course, if extreme flooding happens and your property is submerged, you will have to evacuate and a generator won’t help much, at least not immediately. If your property is at risk of being damaged by moderate flooding or even just heavy rainfall that can breach your home, a generator can help keep your water pump going if the electricity goes out. MaxWatt has both open design petrol and inverter generators available that are ideal for the job. We offer the best in Brisbane portable generators and Brisbane inverter generators to help limit your property damage. Being able to pump water out of your property that has seeped in during flooding can be invaluable.
Have a Water Pump Ready
MaxWatt portable water pumps can help transport the water out of your home. Because these flood relief water pumps emit gases, this means petrol-powered water pumps must be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area as exposure to the fumes can be fatal. This type of pump offers you extra power and a higher flow rate, which can be key in getting the water out fast.
Create an Emergency Plan
According to the Australian Red Cross, there are several things you should do to prepare for a flood in your area. These include:
- Download the Get Prepared app iOS Android
- Pack a survival kit
- Get your documents in order
- Swap phone numbers with the neighbours
- Follow local media
- Let your family know where you’ll go if there’s a flood
- Know your school and day-care emergency plans
Keep important documents like your passport, drivers licence, property titles, birth and marriage certificates, medical documents, and financial and insurance documents in a safe place and save digital copies of them as well. You never know what you may need after the flood and you don’t want all official documentation to be lost.
Have an Emergency Pack Ready in Case You’re Cut Off
A solid flood survival kit contains many things that can help keep you safe in the days following the onset of water. These include:
- Potable water
- Mobile phone and charger
- Torch
- Cash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries
- Hand sanitiser
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid supplies
- Medications
- Batteries
- Contacts of friends and family
- Pet food
Hopefully, you won’t be caught in a dire situation but it’s always good to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If your electricity gets cut off, having access to food, water, and other essentials will be imperative. Keep your emergency kit in waterproof containers and pack everything into a larger bag that you can grab quickly if you must evacuate.
MaxWatt is a family-owned Brisbane business with the best in Brisbane portable generators and water pumps to help with flooding. Browse our store online or contact us today to find the right petrol-powered products for your home or business.
Tags: generator, Inverter Generators, petrol generator, portable generator, water pumps