In Melbourne, rain and storms are part of our way of life. Floods are a natural part of our landscape and an essential part of the water cycle. But as we all know, floods can also have a devastating financial and psychological effect on our homes, businesses and communities.
Flood risk currently impacts more than 200,000 properties in Melbourne, and this is set to increase with climate change and population growth. Find out information about your flood risk and how to prepare for floods.
Call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies. For flood emergency help, call the Victoria State Emergency Service on 132 500
Know your flood risk
It is important that everyone living in Melbourne understands their flood risk and knows what actions to take before and during a flood.
Melbourne Water is responsible for developing and updating flood models to determine flood risk. The models don’t create flood risk – they help us better understand the existing risk that the community faces, both now and in the future. They will make Melbourne more resilient to flood by ensuring communities are prepared, and that new homes are designed with flood risk in mind.
We have developed new flood models to better understand current and future flooding in the Maribyrnong River region. View new flood maps and find out more on our Maribyrnong River Flood Model website.
Prepare for a flood
Floods in Melbourne cost an estimated $735 million a year and can have wide-ranging and long-term consequences. The impact of flooding can be significant, causing damage to homes and loss of personal possessions.
A well-prepared community can help to reduce these impacts by up to 80%. The more aware and prepared we are as a community, the less impact a significant flood will have. There are simple actions you can take in advance, so you’re ready for the next flood, whenever it occurs.
Steps to help you prepare:
- Know your flood risk. Check your local flood risk by using the VICSES local flood guides.
- Sign up to alerts and warnings by downloading the VicEmergency App and setting up a Watch Zone. Monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
- If you run a local business, download the Business flood planning checklist to create a flood plan and help reduce potential damage.
- 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
Need help? For emergencies, call 000 or reach out to the Victoria State Emergency Service at 132 500.
The top priority during a flood is your safety. Floodwater is powerful and contains hidden risks. Destruction of roads, damage to bridges, and contamination of floodwater with sewage and debris are possible.
To ensure your safety:
- never attempt to drive, ride, or walk through floodwater
- children should never play in or near floodwater
- if evacuated, only return if it is safe to do so
- listen to the recommendations of authorities.
Flood education sessions
Melbourne Water, VICSES and councils deliver community flood education programs for the Greater Melbourne area. This is to improve community awareness of flood risk and how to prepare for floods.
We will promote the sessions ahead of time to local communities.
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Understanding flooding
Learn why floods happen, what we do and who we work with to minimise their impact.
Visit the VICSES website for more information on how to plan and prepare for floods.