A flood at your home could be caused by external events — such as the Swan River flooding or flash floods during storms—or by internal issues, including plumbing failures.
 
No matter where the water is coming from, there are steps you need to take to protect your household and home, prevent health hazards, and recoup as much of the cost of repairs as possible from your insurer.

Riverine flooding

The City of Belmont is mainly in a low flood risk area, but some areas have a much higher risk. These areas of higher risk are generally within a few hundred metres of the Swan River, including Ascot Racecourse, Garvey Park/Ayres Bushland and buildings surrounding those areas.

Flash flooding

Flash flooding occurs after sudden storms, when the soil is unable to absorb the rainwater and the run-off collects in gullies or creates overland streams. Flash floods are difficult to predict which does not give you much time to take action.

Plan ahead

Try to keep your outside overflow relief gully clear, as this can help release any wastewater away from your home in the event of a sewer blockage. You can also:
 

• Check your flood risk for your property
• Check your insurance – flooding is often not covered by these policies
• Prepare an emergency kit and an emergency plan, including a relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded after heavy rain or the roof is damaged. You might also like to:
  • Consider a plan for your pets
  • Know how to turn off your water, electricity and gas
• Check on your neighbours to make sure they are ready
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on your fridge and in your phone

How to prepare before a flood

If a flood warning has been issued, follow the official alerts and warnings and if it is safe to do so:
 

• Grab your emergency kit and pack clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags;
• Let your family, friends and neighbours know what your plans are;
• Turn off your water, electricity and gas;
• Place a strong plastic bag full of sand or earth in the toilet bowl and over all drains to stop sewerage back-flow;
• Raise furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces;
• Relocate chemicals to the highest level in your home;
• Tie and anchor outdoor garbage bins;
• Be ready to evacuate.

Stay safe during a flood

Floodwater can contain sewage – so take every precaution not to touch it.
 
The best actions to take can depend on whether the cause is external (such as storms or weather events) or internal (such as a burst pipe).

External issues

• Follow any official alerts and warnings;
• Avoid driving, walking, swimming or playing in floodwater;
• Stay well away from fallen powerlines — electrical current passes easily through water;
• Follow all instructions by emergency authorities and be prepared to react to changing situations;
• Evacuate when you are told to do so - or before. Before you leave and only if it is still safe to do so:
  • Turn your water, electricity and gas off
  • Empty refrigerators and freezers, leaving doors open

Internal issues

• Call the Water Corporation on 13 13 75 immediately if you have wastewater or mains water overflowing anywhere on or near your property;
• Carefully evacuate the premises - any source of electricity can be extremely dangerous under flood conditions;
• Avoid walking or playing in the floodwater.

Be careful after a flood

After a flood, you need to wait until authorities have declared the area safe before you enter the flood zone. Remember: every source of electricity can be extremely dangerous under flood conditions.

It is important that you:
 

• Do not turn on any lights or appliances until a qualified electrician has checked the entire electrical distribution system;
• Treat every electrical item with the greatest care, indoors or out, under flooded or damaged conditions;
• Wait until water has fallen below floor level before entering your house;
• Wear rubber boots (or at least rubber-soled shoes) and rubber or leather gloves;
• Watch for loose floorboards, holes in the floor, protruding nails, and sagging ceiling areas which might be ready to fall;
• Check with gas and water authorities to determine whether supplies to your area have been interrupted and if they are safe to be turned on;
• Take lots of photos of all damage for insurance claims;
• Throw out any food which has been in floodwater, including sealed items unless you thoroughly disinfect them.

Volunteer to help out

If you would like to help out in the City of Belmont in the event of an emergency, you can sign up as a volunteer now with Belmont SES.