Flooding is when the water level in a creek, river, lake or the sea rises and covers land. While some floods occur without problem, others are devasting, causing large scale destruction and loss of life.

Wollongong's location at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment means we're prone to flash flooding. As heavy rainfall occurs along the escarpment, runoff reaches the creeks very quickly, giving local residents little time to prepare.

Floods are often classified by their severity. The scale used to classify floods in Wollongong is:

• minor - cause road closures and traffic disruptions only
• serious - affects residential areas
• severe - affect home, shop and factory areas, evacuations of low lying properties
• very severe - extensively affect homes, shops and factories, evaculations of many residential areas and substanial damage to property and facilities
• extreme - unprecedented damage / levels of flooding, massive damage to property and facilities, widespead evacuations of residents in life threatening conditions.

The State Emergency Service and Endeavour Energy recommends residents take the following steps when flooding and/or storms hit or are close...

• Switch off appliances and electricity supply at the mains (meter box) even when it has been reported that power has been cut off in your area.
• Treat all power lines as live, stay at least 8 metres clear. Look out for wires low hanging or on the ground, dangling in flood waters or tangled in trees
• Do not drive across fallen power lines
• If power lines have fallen across or become entangled in your vehicle, unless in immediate danger remain inside your vehicle and call/wait for help
• If in immediate danger (the wires are “crackling or moving), open your door and jump well clear. Keep your hands off the vehicle and your feet together, then continue jumping with your feet together until at least 10 metres clear
• When travelling by boat through flood waters, keep a good distance from power lines and poles
• If your boat is wooden or fibreglass, do not touch the water or metallic parts of the motor when near power lines or poles.
• Clearance heights of overhead power lines decrease during high tides and floodwaters

You can find more information on the weather from the Bureau website www.bom.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 659 218.

People needing help with storm damage or with flooding can contact their local SES Unit on 132 500 or check the SES website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Council encourages residents to act upon the SES's advice, and to take the following steps before and during a flood.

Flood Preparation Measures

• find out if your house or business could be affected by flooding
• work out a safe route in case you need to evacuate
• keep your local emergency numbers handy.

During Heavy Rainfall

• listen to your local radio station for warnings and advice
• make sure your neighbours are also aware and keep in touch incase they need your help
• raise all your valuables onto tables and benches in case water enters your house.

During a Flood

• avoid driving or walking through flood waters, don’t try to return home until you are sure it is safe
• don’t drive on roads that have been closed
  if you are at home, stay there until advised otherwise
• avoid using electrical or gas appliances
  don’t eat or drink food that has been in contact with flood water
• wear shoes and gloves while cleaning up, use a strong disinfectant.

Flood Evacuations Procedures

• listen to your radio for information
• turn off the electricity, gas and water
• collect your valuables, mementos and medications and take them with you
• take your pets with you or leave them with family and friends not in danger of flooding
• inform the police, SES and your neighbours when you leave your home.