30/10/2021
Know your trigger to act before storms and floods hit
Best safeguard is to plan ahead
Council, the State Emergency Service (SES) and the Tweed Floodplain Management Committee are urging all Tweed residents to know their trigger to act to protect life and property in storms and floods.
Council Chair of the Tweed Floodplain Management Committee, Danny Rose said the best safeguard against storm and flood is preparation.
"Plan now to limit your damages and losses if a storm or flood hits," Mr Rose said.
The SES has a template online to guide you through making an emergency plan. It can be found at http://www.seshomeemergencyplan.com.au Once you have your plan, talk it through with your family so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
"Everyone needs to be aware of the warning signs of severe storms and significant flooding and needs to identify their storm or flood trigger to act," he said.
As a 'rule of thumb' for most of the Tweed Shire, if 300mm of rain falls within 24 hours you should expect significant flooding. Remember short bursts of much less rain can cause flash flooding, particularly in the hinterland and low-lying residential areas of Tweed Heads. Also, if you live in the lower-lying areas of Tweed Heads, Chinderah and the coastal villages, it's important to understand that the worst flood will come when there is significant rain coupled with an ocean storm surge or king tide.
So, what's your flood trigger to: lift your property from any under-storey; move your vehicle; pick the kids up from school; and, evacuate?
The first warning signs of any natural disaster will be found in nature itself. The first signs of an impending flood would include: heavy rain for many hours; pooling and ponding water; rushing roadside gutters; dry watercourses running; livestock moving to higher ground; and rising creeks and rivers.
"If the natural warning signs in your area are your trigger and are telling you it's time to leave, don't wait for an evacuation order just go."
Different communities will have different flood triggers. Even different people in the same community may have different flood triggers depending on their age, mobility, health, whether they have young children, the reliability of their vehicle and other factors.
Residents also should listen for official warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, SES and Police and know what these warnings mean. Again, the SES provides current notifications for all areas by postcode at https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/your-local-risk/.
It's also time to check your insurance. Owners of older properties should consider increasing their insurance policies by $10,000 to $20,000 to cover the cost of any Development Application process or re-building to meet current standards. For more information, see http://understandinsurance.com.au/types-of-insurance/flood-insurance
Did you know Households who plan for emergencies significantly reduce the losses associated with disasters. Planning now so that you know your risks and what to do in an emergency can save your life, the life of your family members and the lives of others including your pets. Planning now can also m...
