Police want to remind motorists when travelling in wet weather, there are several tips you can take to ensure you are decreasing your risk of being involved in a serious traffic crash or finding yourself stuck or washed away in flood water.
- Motorists should decrease speed, increase their braking distance and allow extra time to get to their destinations during bad weather
- Driving with your headlights on improves visibility in wet conditions and always make sure you check the road for excess water
- Never drive on a flooded road as floodwaters are unpredictable and dangerous. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of loved ones
- Be mindful of road deterioration as potholes can appear within a few hours and they may not have been there when you initially travelled along that road
- If you encounter flood water, avoid driving, walking or wading in flooded areas
- Be mindful there may be fallen power lines and floating objects
- Follow road flooding signage
- If your vehicle becomes stranded in flood water, leave it and move to higher ground immediately
- Follow advice given by police or emergency service officers if roads are closed
- Stay tuned to the local radio stations for updates on flood conditions in your area. To view the latest road conditions or to report water across the road, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website or call them on 13 19 40.
Police also encourage you to have your emergency kit ready.
Ideally your emergency kit should contain:
- A portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries
- Water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener to last up to seven days
- Matches, fuel, lamps, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils
- First aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows and waterproof bags
- A list of emergency phone numbers, such as:
- Triple Zero (000)
- TTY Emergency calls: 106
- State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500 (storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings and damage to your roof)
- 13 HEALTH: 13 43 25 84
- Emergency housing assistance: 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Ensure your vehicle is fuelled and you have access to cash.
If you require medication, make sure that you have an adequate supply.
If you have a generator ensure you have tested it and it is in good working order and that you have a good supply of fresh fuel.