Weather Information

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Be Safe

What to do during a storm, flood or heatwave

During a storm

  1. Listen to 774 ABC Melbourne for updated information or use your smart phone or computer to access updated bulletins.
  2. While the storm passes, shelter indoors if possible.
  3. Stay clear of windows in case they break.
  4. If outdoors, seek shelter in a building or vehicle. DO NOT shelter under a tree.
  5. Keep pets indoors.
  6. Check that all household members are safe and not travelling during the storm.
  7. If it is a thunderstorm, unplug electrical appliances and only use a cordless phone.
  8. Avoid driving during the storm.
  9. If you are driving when the storm hits, be alert and watch for hazards such as powerlines, fast flowing water, tree branches etc.
  10. If driving, slow down and turn headlights on.
  11. If visibility is poor, pull off the road, but try stay away from gutters, and low lying areas.
  12. DO NOT drive through floodwaters over roads of unknown depth and current.

 

During a flood

  1. Listen to 774 ABC Melbourne for updated information or use your smart phone or computer to access updated bulletins.
  2. Be prepared to evacuate if needed.
  3. Keep in contact with your neighbours.
  4. Check that all household members are safe and not travelling in flood areas.
  5. Keep pets indoors.
  6. Avoid walking through floodwaters. If you must enter floodwaters, wear solid shoes, NOT thongs or bare feet.
  7. DO NOT go flood “sight-seeing”.
  8. DO NOT play in floodwaters.
  9. Stay away from drains, gutters, waterways and flood areas.
  10. Stay away from fallen powerlines.
  11. DO NOT drive through floodwaters over roads, of unknown depth and current.
  12. Use towels or sandbags to help slow water seepage into your home.
  13. DO NOT attempt to go into the roof to fix any leaks.  Contact the SES on 132 500.

 

During a heatwave

  1. Listen to 774 ABC Melbourne for updated information or use your smart phone or computer to access updated bulletins.
  2. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  3. Encourage children to drink lots of water.
  4. Ensure pets have full water bowls.
  5. Block out the sun by closing curtains and blinds.
  6. Avoid strenuous activity, like sport, home improvements and gardening.
  7. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
  8. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
  9. Keep in contact with your neighbours.
  10. Keep cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.
  11. DO NOT leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles.
  12. If you must go outside, apply sunscreen, take a hat and an umbrella.
  13. Plot your journey to avoid long stretches in the direct sun.

 

Join the conversation

Share your experiences and any tips you think could help others respond to future heatwave, storm or flood events?  Visit our have your say webpage.  

 

Next steps

Evacuate - if you need to evacuate  

Stay safe - what to do after a storm, flood or heatwave

 

For more information

For more information or if you require this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, audio, braille, or in a different language, please contact ASSIST on 9209 6777 or email assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

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