Flood information sources for media
| Topic | Source, website, or details |
|---|---|
BOM’s online newsroom (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) provides material that can be easily sourced and referenced by journalists when reporting on weather events, warnings and associated preparedness and response activities at: Social media for the Bureau of Meteorology
BOM Media’s ‘journalist only’ service is also available 6am to 10pm daily to respond to enquiries regarding severe weather. BOM Media hotline: (03) 9669 4057 | |
| Flood warnings statewide | Storm, flood, cyclone and emergency alerts are published at: Subscribing to feeds Feeds, also known as “RSS feeds”, “XML feeds” or “news feeds”, can help you to keep up-to-date with information from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services websites. Feeds can be viewed using some browsers or by using a feed reader (also known as feed aggregator) software. View the:
These feeds are text based versions of the above Emergency Alerts, and Storm, flood and cyclone warnings maps. Note: The data displayed on the map can have up to a 5 minute delay. |
In Queensland local governments have primary responsibility to manage disaster activities at a community level. Queensland’s local governments have disaster dashboards and/or websites that provide important information to support local communities during and after disaster events. Disaster dashboards generally include information about:
Many council disaster dashboards also offer an option to sign up for local weather alerts and notifications. | |
| Understanding flood warnings | Learn about the 3 flood warnings levels, what they mean, and what you need to do:
For more information:
You will find flood warnings on local council disaster dashboards, websites or social platforms. |
| QLDTraffic (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) | The QLDTraffic (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) website is managed by the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and provides information on road and traffic conditions statewide, including closures and restrictions due to flooding. QLDTraffic is also available as an app via the App Store or Google Play, by calling TMR’s 24/7 phone service on 13 19 40, or across a number of regional X (Twitter) accounts. |
| Queensland Government Flood Website | The Queensland Government flood website at www.qld.gov.au/flood acts as a source of truth and gateway so that Queenslanders can easily find reliable information about flood. It has flood information suitable for the general public, and a dedicated section of more detailed and technical flood information for councils and flood practitioners. The flood website is designed to present clear sections that can guide website users to information to:
The section for councils and flood practitioners allows for easy access to:
View the flood website at: |
| Emergency contacts | Dial Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire and Ambulance in an emergency. SES: SES app or 132 500 for help with a damaged roof, rising flood water, trees fallen on buildings, or storm damage. Non-urgent medical help: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) Non-emergency police contact: Policelink on 13 14 44 General enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) TTY Emergency Service: Dial 106. For more information please visit NRS. |
| Queensland Police Service (QPS) | Media Email Subscriptions for Queensland Police The myPolice media email list is a service for members of media organisations. Approved users can receive media releases and advisories, media conference details and embargoed media releases via email. You must be a member of a media organisation, QPS or be an approved stakeholder to have access to this list. Once you have been verified, you will be subscribed to the list. Social media for Queensland Police Service: |
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Newsroom Media can sign up for alerts by subscribing to the QFES Newsroom (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) . Subscribing also allows accredited journalists or media representatives to be notified of media opportunities and press conferences. During an emergency QFES provides regular updates via social media on current flood warnings and incidents, both directly and by sharing content from the Bureau of Meteorology: QFES also continues to promote If It’s Flooded, Forget It messaging to Queensland drivers, and floodwater safety in relation to swiftwater rescue activities that they lead with a team of highly trained, specialised firefighters. Media can sign up for alerts by subscribing to the QFES Newsroom. Subscribing also allows accredited journalists or media representatives to be notified of media opportunities and press conferences. |
| Disaster management, disaster recovery, and disaster resilience | Disaster management in Queensland is a shared responsibility. Queensland disaster management arrangements comprise a four-tiered system: three levels of government (local, state and federal) and an additional state government tier between local and state levels known as disaster districts. These disaster districts enable efficient and effective operational response in support of local communities, and address the size, complexity and diversity of Queensland. Learn more about Disaster management, disaster recovery, and disaster resilience in Queensland. |
| Queensland Government media statements | Queensland Government media statements |
| What is a flood? Different types of flooding | A flood is an overflow of water beyond the normal limits of a watercourse. Flooding occurs when water extends over what is usually dry land. This can happen when water escapes from a natural watercourse such as a lake, river or creek. It can also happen when water is released from a reservoir, canal or dam. No two floods are the same and can vary depending on the quantity, duration and location of rain falling on our catchments. Find out more about different types of flooding including:
www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/flood/flood-aware/types-of-flooding |
| Get Ready Queensland | The Get Ready Queensland program is a year round, all hazards, resilience building initiative coordinated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to help communities prepare for natural disasters. The Get Ready Queensland website has disaster preparedness advice and resources for before, during a disaster and after a disaster. Learn more at: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/ |
| If it's flooded, forget it | Your car can’t protect you from floodwater. 'If it's flooded, forget it' is the Queensland Government's advertising campaign for driver safety in times of flood. Our weather can change quickly and be unforgiving. Here in Queensland driving into floodwater is the number one cause of flood-related deaths. Cars are designed to keep us safe on the road but once you hit water, it becomes a completely different story. It doesn't matter what car you drive, or how good you are at driving - as soon as you enter floodwater, your car can’t protect you. |
| Talk to an expert | The Flood Community of Practice is a Queensland focused group of professionals from diverse disciplines who all have an interest in flood and water management. Media can contact the Flood Community of Practice directly to discuss flood events – current or previous. The Flood Community of Practice may also be able to identify an appropriate expert from its membership to provide a background briefing and/or interview. |