Severe Storms / Flooding

Severe windstorms and thunderstorms can occur anywhere in Australia and do so more than any other major natural emergency. Severe storms occur at any time of the year and can cause flash flooding, landslip and lightning strikes, disrupt communities through the loss of income, injury, life, property damage, agricultural and stock losses, and cause disruption to major services such as electricity and water.

The number of storms that occur in Baw Baw Shire is unpredictable. Some storms may be more localised, that is, they may occur in one area such as the hills, or they may be larger in scale and occur across the entire municipality.

Severe storms can cause trees and branches to fall across roads and railway lines, on people, cars, and buildings; flash floods can block roads and wash away cars and people; large hail can cause damage to cars and property; and lightning can strike people, buildings, trees and powerlines.

• For storm events call the Flood and Storm Information Line on 1300 842 737 or for updates check the SES website.
• Call the SES on 132 500 for flood or storm assistance.
• Call 000 for life threatening emergencies.

There are a number of factors we recommend you consider when preparing for severe storms:

• Emergency kit
• Severe storm categories
• Weather reports and storm warnings
• What to do before, during and after a storm

Flooding    

Large areas of Baw Baw Shire can be prone to flooding. When an emergency including a flood occurs, or threatens the Shire, the MECC (Municipal Emergency Control Centre) may be set up and staffed by Council and other emergency management agencies.

You should ascertain whether or not you live in a low lying area or are located near a waterway where there is a history of flooding and make sure you have a flood plan in place.

For further information relating to floods, visit the Department of Human Services Flood Recovery Website, SES website and the DSE website.

Emergencies such as floods, fire, power outages can present a number of food safety risks for both food businesses and households. 

Further information can be found on the Department of Human Services Food Safety unit fact sheets.

For further information on food safety within the municipality please contact the Council's Health Office on 5624 2411 during business hours.

After the floods

Baw Baw Shire Council provides assistance and advice to people within the Shire affected by flooding events.

Recovery requests

For those people affected by water and or rain entering their houses please contact the Council's Recovery Manager on 5624 2541 to register your address details for Council officers to conduct a needs assessment.

Cleaning up

Floods have the potential to impact on the health and wellbeing of your family, your community and yourself. It is important to look after yourself during and after a flood.

The Department of Human Services have produced the 'After the Floods' fact sheet pack the offers ways of coping with stress, looking after your general health and provides details on what financial assistance is available.

Click on the links below to access fact sheets or websites containing important information. 

Facts sheets

Looking after yourself

Floods and your health

Financial assistance

After the floods - practical advice brochure

Health related fact sheets (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

Drainage problems

For those adversely affected by drainage issues over the recent rain/flooding event contact the Council on 5624 2411 to register your concerns. A Council officer will arrange a time to conduct a visit.

Lightning Action Guide

Lightning is a real threat, with more than ten people dying due to lightning strikes each year in Australia.

Common sense things that can protect yourself and your family from lightning during a thunderstorm include the following:

• Do not use the telephone during a thunderstorm.
• Do not have a shower or bath during a thunderstorm.
• If you have time, disconnect the external aerial to your television.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.

Remember, if you hear thunder 10 seconds after a lightning flash, the lightning is only 3 kilometres away (just over 1 kilometre per 3 seconds).

For more information about the Lightning Action Guide, visit Emergency Management Australia. Additional information may be found at the SES website.

Further information about severe storms, please visit the SES website.