Appendix C - Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan

Flood
There are three different types of flood that can occur in Queensland.
Flash flooding is the most dangerous in terms of potential
threat to loss of life and can result from relatively short, intense
bursts of rainfall. People are often swept away after they enter
these floodwaters on foot, or in vehicles, due to the speed and
power of the swift moving water.
There may be little or no advance warning for a flash flood so it




                                                                                                                    FLOOD
is important to:
»» pay attention to weather patterns and weather forecasts
»» stay away from rivers, creeks and drains
                                                                                      Think about the
»» get to higher ground                                                            consequences of your
»» act quickly                                                                     actions and don’t risk
»» never try to drive, ride or walk through a flash flood – if it’s                your life or the lives of
   flooded, forget it.                                                                      others.
Mountain or coastal rivers quick onset flooding occurs in the                     Don’t drive through
                                                                                  flood water – IF IT’S
mountain headwater areas of large rivers, as well as in rivers that                FLOODED, FORGET IT.
drain to the coast. In these areas, the rivers are steeper and flow
quicker, with flooding lasting for one or two days. These floods
can pose a risk to loss of life and property as there is much less time to prepare and the flow
of water is faster and more dangerous.
Inland rivers slow onset flooding is the flooding of rivers in the vast flat areas of central and
western Queensland that may last for one or more weeks and can lead to:
»» major loss of livestock and crop damage
»» extensive damage to rural towns and road and rail links
»» isolation of whole communities for weeks and sometimes months.
When you hear warnings for the potential of flood or severe storm:
»» activate your Emergency Plan
»» stay tuned into warnings and updates
»» move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to higher locations
»» sandbag indoor drains to prevent sewage backflow
»» plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens your home
»» check your Emergency Kit is fully stocked.
If you need to evacuate
If you need to evacuate due to the expected arrival of floodwater, follow the evacuation tips
included in your Emergency Plan at the back of this guide and travel to your predetermined
safer location.


Emergency services receive many calls every year for assistance to people who have ignored traffic signs and
road closures and become stranded in flood waters. This is extremely dangerous behaviour and also puts the
lives of rescue personnel at risk. Think about the consequences of your actions and don’t risk your life or the
lives of others. Don’t drive through flood water. Children may think playing in flood water is fun but it is very
dangerous. In Queensland, many young lives have been lost from children playing in and around flood water.
Warn children of these dangers and to keep away from floodwater.

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