Inspector Paul Huggett of the Murray River Police District has urged community members to stay up to date with emergency advice and flood warnings.
He advised the community to keep an eye out for any information sessions being held by council or emergency service responders.
“The sessions are an opportunity for the general public to see how an Emergency Operation Centre functions and is managed,” Insp Huggett said.
“In those sessions you could have representatives from the SES, local police stations, council, health care and the transport and infrastructure sector discussing everything from the current emergency situation to plans for recovery.”
Insp Huggett said that despite it being a time of crisis, police anticipated a rise in flood relief scams.
Scammers will often impersonate charities and claim to be collecting donations for flood victims via messaging applications, websites and door-to-door pitches.
“Only contribute to registered or known and trusted charities,” Insp Huggett said.
“If any door-to-door people come around just be wary because there will be scams rotating. Always protect yourself and test the information that people are providing to you.”
Insp Huggett said it was important that people followed the directions of the SES as they are the lead agency during the flooding.
“There will be floodwater around for weeks to come. It’s not like we can just pull a plug and the water will dissipate so do ensure you adhere to the advice of the SES,” he said.
“Look out for yourselves, look out for your neighbours, be patient, be courteous and be aware of your environment and everything that’s going on.”