Floodwater safety

Driving safety - Prepare to stay safe

Floodwater often means roads  become cut off and people find themselves in challenging situations.

Click on each scenario and consider the tips provided to help you prepare to stay safe.

Find out more at:
https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt

All of the scenarios

Icon Tips to consider for all scenarios...
Don’t feel pressured by vehicles behind you  Don’t feel pressured by vehicles behind you to cross a flooded road. Even fully-equipped swiftwater technicians in boats will only enter the water as a last resort.
medications  If you or your loved ones require regular medication, make sure this is available in any location it might be needed (school, childcare centre, workplace or your vehicle.)
seek local advice  If you are travelling in an unfamiliar area, seek out and pay close attention to advice from locals.
Local water levels and warning signs  If you’re on holiday, or even just making a day trip, take into account potential rises in water levels and plan your travel so you don’t become stranded. Take note of warning signs that tell of local dangers.
alternative routes and plans  Think about the roads you regularly use and plan alternatives – is there a usually reliable alternative route or do you need to rethink your travel.
work plans and work from home  Before storms hit, discuss options with your employer for not attending work, working from home, or having a delayed start or early finish.
Local radio  When poor weather is forecast, listen to your local radio station for information, warnings and prepare for all scenarios.
Wait it out  Realise that your best plan may be to avoid travel altogether and that sometimes your only option will be to wait it out – in your car, visiting a friend nearby, or spending time at a shopping centre or food outlet – be prepared for all options.
Alternative transport  Consider alternative modes of transport, such as trains.
school and childcare arrangements  In preparation of wet season, talk with schools and childcare centres about alternative arrangements they can put in place if you are unable to collect children on time.
family friends on call  When the wet season is approaching remind ‘on call’ family or friends that you might need them to help.
emergency contacts  Keep a written list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including ‘on call’ friends, school, work and neighbours.
local emergency numbers  Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge) and in a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)
phone charger  At all times, make sure your phone is charged and a charger is available in the car or at work.
000 emergency call  In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero) or signal others to call for your rescue.
Speak to each driver in your household   Speak to each driver in your household to make sure they have considered how quickly conditions can change and help them be prepared.

I am on the road and the road ahead is flooded

Icon Tips to consider for this situation...
000 emergency call  Don’t feel pressured by vehicles behind you to cross a flooded road. Even fully-equipped swiftwater technicians in boats will only enter the water as a last resort.
medications  If you or your loved ones require regular medication, make sure this is available in any location it might be needed (school, childcare centre, workplace or your vehicle.)
Local radio  When poor weather is forecast, listen to your local radio station for information, warnings and prepare for all scenarios.
Wait it out  Realise that your best plan may be to avoid travel altogether and that sometimes your only option will be to wait it out – in your car, visiting a friend nearby, or spending time at a shopping centre or food outlet – be prepared for all options.
emergency contacts  Keep a written list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including ‘on call’ friends, school, work and neighbours.
phone charger  At all times, make sure your phone is charged and a charger is available in the car or at work.
000 emergency call  In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero) or signal others to call for your rescue.

I am unable to reach my children or loved ones

Icon Tips to consider for this situation...
medications  If you or your loved ones require regular medication, make sure this is available in any location it might be needed (school, childcare centre, workplace or your vehicle.)
work plans and work from home  Before storms hit, discuss options with your employer for not attending work, working from home, or having a delayed start or early finish.
Wait it out  Realise that your best plan may be to avoid travel altogether and that sometimes your only option will be to wait it out – in your car, visiting a friend nearby, or spending time at a shopping centre or food outlet – be prepared for all options.
school and childcare arrangements  In preparation of wet season, talk with schools and childcare centres about alternative arrangements they can put in place if you are unable to collect children on time.
family friends on call  When the wet season is approaching remind ‘on call’ family or friends that you might need them to help.
emergency contacts  Keep a written list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including ‘on call’ friends, school, work and neighbours.

I have received a call from a loved one in difficulty

Icon Tips to consider for this situation...
local emergency numbers  Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge) and in a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero).
Speak to each driver in your household   Speak to each driver in your household to make sure they have considered how quickly conditions can change and help them be prepared.

I live in or am visiting a remote area where flooding is  a part of daily life

Icon Tips to consider for this scenario...
seek local advice  If you are travelling in an unfamiliar area, seek out and pay close attention to advice from locals.
Local water levels and warning signs  If you’re on holiday, or even just making a day trip, take into account potential rises in water levels and plan your travel so you don’t become stranded. Take note of warning signs that tell of local dangers.

Storm season is approaching and I don't have a plan

Icon Tips to consider for this scenario...
alternative routes and plans  Think about the roads you regularly use and plan alternatives – is there a usually reliable alternative route or do you need to rethink your travel.

 Icon Tips to consider for this situation...
000 emergency call  Don’t feel pressured by vehicles behind you to cross a flooded road. Even fully-equipped swiftwater technicians in boats will only enter the water as a last resort.
medications  If you or your loved ones require regular medication, make sure this is available in any location it might be needed (school, childcare centre, workplace or your vehicle.)
Local radio  When poor weather is forecast, listen to your local radio station for information, warnings and prepare for all scenarios.
Wait it out  Realise that your best plan may be to avoid travel altogether and that sometimes your only option will be to wait it out – in your car, visiting a friend nearby, or spending time at a shopping centre or food outlet – be prepared for all options.
emergency contacts  Keep a written list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including ‘on call’ friends, school, work and neighbours.
phone charger  At all times, make sure your phone is charged and a charger is available in the car or at work.
000 emergency call  In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero) or signal others to call for your rescue.
Last updated:
26 February 2024