Flood safety

Flooding is currently occurring at a number of locations across Australia, including in South Australia particularly in areas along the Murray River and some of our rural and remote towns and roads. Risks posed by flood waters need to be considered in locations potentially impacted. This includes when undertaking field trips, student placement (Work Integrated Learning), working, living or visiting flood impacted areas.

Flood warnings

In areas where a flood warning has been issued people should not undertake, if possible, unnecessary travel or enter the designated areas.

You must follow advice provided by the local authorities and any warnings they issue.

Warnings are available via:

• free-to-air broadcast media (radio and television)
• internet, including SA State Emergency Service (SES)  and Bureau of Meteorology
• Phone - SES on 1800 362 361 (General Enquiries)
• Social media https://www.facebook.com/SAStateEmergencyService
• Check with you Placement Provider for any updates.
• If you are on another organisation’s site e.g., Hospital, follow their warnings and flood procedures.

FLOOD WATERS ARE DANGEROUS - NEVER ENTER FLOOD WATERS ON FOOT, RIDE OR ATTEMPT TO DRIVE ON FLOODED ROADS.

If you are in a Life Threatening Situation call 000

If you need Emergency Assistance call 132 500

Driving in areas with Flood Warnings

• Never attempt to drive on flooded roads or crossings.
• Find alternative travel routes if roads are flooded.
• Try to check the route you intend to drive before you leave for closures. SA Police – Road closures.
• Be aware of other driving hazards on the road, such as mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen and damaged trees.
• If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over on higher ground, away from trees.

If the authorities issue an Emergency Warning to evacuate

If you need to evacuate from your home/ accommodation or worksite:

• Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes, torch, important documents and medications.
• Turn off gas and electricity if possible.
• Inform family or friends when and where you are travelling.
• Inform your Supervisor, WIL Coordinator or Rural Placement Officer.
• Move to locations that are safe and away from flooding.
• Check for road closures before you leave and follow instructions from emergency services.
• Do not return to the area until the Authorities have indicated it is safe to do so.

Information for Flood Warnings

For other States and Territories information is available as follows: