Prepare for flooding

Rain, storms and floods are a natural part of life in Melbourne but can have a big impact on our way of life.

For flood emergency assistance call the Victoria State Emergency Service on 132 500, and for life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Flood education sessions

Melbourne Water, VICSES and councils are working together to deliver a community flood education program for the Greater Melbourne area. The education program aims to improve community awareness of flood risk and improve knowledge of how to be prepared for floods.

The first areas the program will be delivered to are communities impacted by the 2022 Maribyrnong flood in the Brimbank, City of Melbourne, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley City Council areas.

There are several events planned for residents to come and learn how you can find information on your flood risk and actions you can take before, during and after a flood event to stay safe:

• Thursday 9 May 2024, Maribyrnong
• Wednesday 15 May 2024, Kensington 
• Saturday 18 May 2024, Kensington 
• Wednesday 22 May, Brimbank
• Thursday 6 June, Avondale Heights
• Thursday 13 June, West Melbourne

We’re working with VICSES on a program for other Greater Melbourne areas. Any details for other sessions will be promoted to local communities in advance. 

The impacts of climate change bring more unpredictable storms and floods that can harm people, places and our communities. That’s why at Melbourne Water, we manage a complex drainage system across the whole city. We also work within our communities, building their resilience and preparation for flooding events.

And we need your help too! No matter where you live in Melbourne, your home could be at risk of flooding. If your home is situated on low-lying land near a creek, river or drain, it’s especially important to know your risk, be prepared and keep yourself and others safe if a flood occurs.

Understanding floods

Learn why floods happen, what we do and who we work with to minimise their impact on our understanding flooding webpage.

Being prepared for floods

The financial and social costs of flooding can be significant: from dealing with damage to homes and vehicles, to the loss of pets and personal possessions. But there are simple actions you can take in advance, so you’re ready for the next flood – whenever it occurs.

Key steps to help you be prepared:

• Know your flood risk: Check your local flood risk by using the VICSES local flood guides.
• Sign up to alerts and warnings: Install the VicEmergency App and create a Watch Zone. Monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
• Business flood plan: If you run a local business, create a flood plan to help reduce damage and risk of flooding by downloading the Business flood planning checklist.
• Create an emergency plan: The Australian Red Cross ‘Get Prepared’ app and Rediplan template can help you find your local emergency services contacts and information, and identify a safe meeting place for you and your loved ones.
• Pack an emergency flood kit: An emergency kit ensures you have essential items close at hand if you lose power or need to evacuate quickly. Find a checklist of what to pack from VICSES website.
• Check if your home and contents insurance covers flooding.

Safety during and after a flood

In a flood, the most important thing to do is get out safely. For help, call the Victoria State Emergency Service on 132 500, or if your situation is life-threatening call 000.

Always keep yourself safe. Floodwater is a powerful force and there are many unseen dangers beneath the water. Roads can be washed away, bridges can be damaged and floodwater may contain sewage and debris.

To keep yourself safe:

• never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
• never allow children to play in or near floodwater
• if you’re evacuated, do not return until it is safe to do so
• follow the advice of authorities.