With floodwaters still approaching many towns, the State Emergency Service recommends people “bag it, block it, lift it and leave” if they are in areas where flooding is expected.
To find out whether floodwater could affect your area, visit the SES website at www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/flood-guides and click on your local government area and town.
If your house is in a flood zone, the SES recommends sandbagging as one of the things you can do to ensure you are flood-ready.
Sandbags will not stop floodwater completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home or business.
To sandbag correctly, the SES said to use sand to fill hessian bags — not dirt.
They should be filled three-quarter full, and do not tie the top of them.
The SES said sandbags should be placed in plastic bags to cover drainage holes in the home — such as the shower and sinks, while one should be put in the toilet to stop the backflow of water.
A small wall should be placed across doorways, to at least the height of the expected water level.
If available, plastic sheeting can be used under sandbags to reduce the seepage.
The SES says when building a wall, sandbags should be laid like brickwork.
Rows should be staggered so that the joins do not line up.
Start at one end and work to the other, and ensure the unfilled part of the bag is covered by the next bag.
The flap of the sandbag should be tucked under the end of the row.
People should also lift items in their home off the ground.
This may be done by placing furniture on bricks, milk crates or any other items. Other smaller items can be put on benches, tables and beds.
For more information about flood preparation, visit the SES website at: www.ses.vic.gov.au