Local Flood Guide - Victoria State Emergency Service

Your Local Flood InformationBroken River and Seven Creeks Dominant FloodThis map shows the spread of a Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominant Flood at a height of 12.3 metres at the Shepparton Gauge(see page 8). This same height is called a 1% flood which means there is a 1% chance of a flood this size occurring in any year. Yourproperty may be affected before it reaches this height on the gauge.Your property specific flood chart shows at which height you are likely to be impacted in a Broken River and Seven Creeks Dominantflood.Your Local Flood InformationLocal Flood Guide 5

About Flood WarningsWhat warnings meanFlood Watches and Flood Warnings are issued by the Bureau ofMeteorology (BoM) to tell people about possible flooding.A Flood Watch means there is a developing weather pattern thatmight cause floods in one or two days.Emergency AlertSES may provide alerts to the Mooroopna and Sheppartoncommunities through the Emergency Alert telephone warningsystem. All Emergency Services can use Emergency Alert to warncommunities about dangerous situations by voice message tolandline telephones or text message to mobile phones.About Flood WarningsFlood Warnings mean flooding is about to happen or is alreadyhappening. There are Minor, Moderate and Major flood warnings.Below outlines some of the impacts you might see in Mooroopnaand Shepparton at these flood levels:Minor Flood Warning■■Flooding of low-lying areas and farmland near waterways e.g.Doyles Road and Orrvale Road.■■Moving of stock and equipment to higher ground.■■Minor roads and low-lying bridges closed due to flooding e.g.Macfarlane Road, Mitchell Road, Watt Road and Raftery Road.Moderate Flood Warning■■May result in evacuation of some houses.■■ Closure of busy traffic routes such as Gordon Drive, Archer Roadin Kialla and Echuca Road in Mooroopna.Major Flood Warning■■Causes widespread flooding of farmland and urban areas.■■Flooding or isolation of many properties with hundreds ofhomes under threat.■■Many evacuations.■■Possible closure main traffic routes such as the Goulburn ValleyHighway, Midland Highway and the Causeway.Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) will give information abouthow the floodwater might affect people and properties. Thisincludes safety messages to remind you what to do.Severe Thunderstorm WarningsThunderstorms are classified as severe, due to their potential tocause significant localised damage through: wind gusts, large hail,tornadoes or flash flooding. Severe thunderstorm warnings areissued to the community by the Bureau of Meteorology.Severe Weather WarningsThese warnings are issued to the community by the Bureau ofMeteorology when severe weather is expected that is not directlyrelated to severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires.Examples of severe weather include damaging winds and flashflooding.Flash Flooding happens quickly. There may be little or no warning.The arrival time or depth of a flash flood can usually not bepredicted.Remember, you may not receive any official warning.Be aware of what is happening around you to stay safe.Never wait for a warning to act.If you receive a warning, make sure that all family members,people at work and your neighbours are aware of the situation.If you receive an Emergency Alert you should pay attentionand act. It could mean life or death.If you need help to understand a warning, ask a friend, neighbouror family member.Warnings for Mooroopna and SheppartonFlood Warnings for the Goulburn River, Broken River and SevenCreeks are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Flood Warningsprovide predictions of flood size (minor, moderate or major), theflood arrival time and the possible peak (highest level) of the:■ ■ Goulburn River at Shepparton and Arcadia Downs■ ■ Broken River at Orrvale■ ■ Seven Creeks at Kialla LakesIt is important to know how the predicted flood could impact you(see page 8 for more information).Council flood messages (VoiceREACH)As well as receiving warnings through the Bureau of Meteorologyand Emergency Alert, Greater Shepparton City Council has a freeVoiceREACH telephone system. This system delivers informationto phones (landlines and mobiles) and answering machines tothousands of local homes, businesses and industries.Once registered on the system, your phone rings and whenanswered you hear a pre-recorded information message (not anSMS). To register visit the council website or call them on (03) 58329700.Flood leveesA levee is an embankment usually along-side a river or creekdesigned to protect property from floodwater.Levees can reduce the frequency of flooding but no levee isguaranteed to be flood proof. A levee is designed to control acertain amount of floodwater. If larger floods occur, water will flowover the levee into lower areas. Floodwater may also damage thelevee, allowing floodwater to flow through an opening or break.Flood levees are to protect property, not people. If the levee isin danger of failing you will be advised to evacuate flood proneareas. It is important that you follow this advice.In this area, there are levees that reduce the risk of flooding tosome low-lying areas including parks and camping areas alongthe Goulburn River from Lake Victoria to Knight Street.For more information about levees visit the SES website.Local Flood Guide 7

Local Flood InformationLocal Flood GaugesThere are four main gauges in this area which provide river height levels and predictions of floodwater heights. You can checkthese gauges during floods on the BoM website.■ ■ Goulburn River gauge at Shepparton■■■Broken River gauge at Orrvale■■Seven Creeks gauge at Kialla West.■ Goulburn River gauge at Arcadia DownsKnow your riskThey can help to show where the main flooding (river dominance) might be coming from when floods happen. But, no two floodsare ever the same so keep watch, be aware of what is happening around you.Mooroopna and Shepparton’s Key Flood LevelsWhile no two floods are the same, knowing heights from past floods can give you an idea of what might happen in your area andallows you to compare predicted floods. Flood warnings will sometimes provide a prediction of a height based on a gauge. You canuse the table below to see how a flood might affect you:Flood levelsGoulburn River gauge atSheppartonGoulburn River gauge atArcadia DownsBroken River gauge atOrrvaleSeven Creeks gauge atKialla WestMinor Flood Level 9.5 m 9.0 m 6.8 m 4.5 mModerate Flood Level 10.7 m 10.2 m 7.2 m 5.0 mMajor Flood Level 11.0 m 10.5 m 7.9 m 6.6 mGoulburn River gauge at SheppartonFor Mooroopna township, Shepparton central business district,Kialla, Shepparton north and nearby rural areas.Below minor flood level:8.75 m Watt Road and Raftery Road start to flood.Minor flood impacts from 9.5 m could include:9.82 m 2011 flood level.9.96 m 2012 flood level.Moderate flood impacts from 10.7 m could include:10.98 m Macguire Reserve levee overflows to nearDaintons Bridge.Major flood impacts from 11.0 m could include:11.09 m 2010 flood level.11.10 m Balmoral Estate levee overflows.11.18 m Victoria Lake levee overflows.11.66 m Princess Park levee overflows.11.71 m 1993 flood level.12.00 m Midland Highway/P.R.Edwards Causeway completelyclosed.12.09 m 1974 flood level. A Goulburn River dominantflood. In 1974, Mooroopna was completely cut off.12.25 m 1916 flood level (estimated).12.30 m 1% flood level (see map page 4).Goulburn River gauge at Arcadia DownsThis gauge is used to help work out flood dominance.Below Minor1993 flood level.2012 flood level.Minor flood impacts from 9.0 m could include:10.18 m 2011 flood level.Major flood impacts from 10.5 m could include:10.68 m 1981 flood level.10.81 m 2010 flood level.12.10 m 1974 flood level (estimated).Broken River gauge at OrrvaleFor areas along the river from Orrvale, Kialla east, Kialla northand areas north of the Broken River in Shepparton.Below minor flood level:6.01 m 2011 flood level.Minor flood impacts from 6.8 m could include:7.01 m 2012 flood level.7.15 m Lake Kialla overflows into Gordon Drive, Kialla.Moderate flood impacts from 7.2 m could include:7.20 m Kialla Lakes Drive starts to flood.7.30 m Archer St, Kialla starts to flood.7.40 m Gordon Drive, Kialla and bridge flooded.7.86 m 1996 flood level.Major flood impacts from 7.9 m could include:8.21 m 2010 flood level.8.33 m 1974 flood level.8.44 m 1993 flood level. This was a Broken River dominantflood.Seven Creeks gauge at Kialla WestFor areas around Kialla, Kialla Lakes, Kialla West, Mooroopna,Shepparton South, along Seven Creeks and Honeysuckle Creek.Minor flood impacts from 4.5 m could include:4.50 m Mitchell Road floods between Goulburn ValleyHighway and Archer Street.Moderate flood impacts from 5.0 m could include:5.00 m Raftery Road, Kialla flooded between the bridge andEdgewater Road. Arcadia Downs traffic detoured.6.02 m 2012 and 1996 flood level.6.50 m Balmoral Street, Kialla starts to flood.Major flood impacts from 6.6 m could include:6.60 m 2010 flood level.7.85 m 1974 flood level.8.23 m 1993 flood level.8Local Flood Guide

Preparing for FloodsNOW - before a flood■■ Check if your home or business is subject to flooding. Formore information, contact the Greater Shepparton CityCouncil.■■Develop an Emergency Plan.■■Check if you could be cut off by floodwater.■■ Know the safest way to go if you decide to leave yourproperty and plan an alternative route.■■Check your insurance policies to ensure your equipment,property and business are covered for flood damage.■■Keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone.■■Put together an Emergency Kit.When a flood is likely■■■■■ Take action. Follow your Emergency Plan.■ Listen to your radio for information and advice.■ Check your neighbours are safe and know about the flood.■ Stack possessions on benches and tables with electricalgoods in the highest places.■■Anchor objects that are likely to float and cause damage.■■Move rubbish bins, chemicals and poisons to the highestplace.■■Put important papers, valuables, photos and other specialpersonal items into your Emergency Kit.■■Business owners should raise stock, business records andequipment onto benches and tables.■■Rural property owners should move livestock, pumps andmachinery to higher ground.■■If you are likely to be isolated, have enough food, drinkingwater, medicine, fuel and other needs to last at least threedays.■■Do not forget pet food and stock feed.The time for me to evacuate is before:Your Emergency PlanEmergencies can happen at any time, with little warning.People who have planned and prepared for emergencies havereduced the impact and recovered faster.Taking the time to think about emergencies and make your ownplan helps you think clearly and have more control to make betterdecisions when an emergency occurs.Your Emergency Plan should identify:■■The types of emergencies that might affect you.■■How those emergencies might affect you.■■What you will do before, during and after an emergency.■■Where to get more information.■■Where you will go if you evacuate and the best way to go indifferent circumstances.■■A list of phone numbers you will need, including emergencyservices, your insurance company, friends and family.Visit www.ses.vic.gov.au to obtain a copy of yourHome Emergency Plan workbookEvacuationPrepare a planVictoria Police is responsible for coordinating an evacuation inan emergency. During a flood, Police, SES and other emergencyservices may advise you to evacuate to keep you safe. It isimportant that you follow this advice.Preparing For FloodsThere are two types of evacuation notices that may be issued viayour emergency broadcaster during a flood:■■Prepare to evacuate - means you should act quickly andtake immediate action to protect your life and property. Youshould get ready to leave your property.■■Evacuate immediately - you must leave immediately as thereis a risk to lives.Remember you can leave at any time if you feel unsafe. You do notneed to wait to be told to evacuate.Local Flood Guide 9

Home Emergency KitEmergency KitEvery home and business should have a basic emergency kit:Copy of your Emergency PlanRadio Torch Spare batteries Copy of documents & recordsLong life foodFirst aid kitSafe drinking waterGlovesCheck your kit often. Make sure things work. Replace out of date items.When a warning is issued, have ready for use or pack into your kit:Mobile phone and charger Prescriptions & medicines Pet needs Strong shoes Clothes for your family3 days supply3 days supply3 days supply3 days supplyI need to add:Write your list here. Tick items as you pack them into your kit.Special needsPhotosFamily KeepsakesValuablesDocumentsOther10Local Flood Guide

During and After a FloodDuring a floodWhen flooding has begun:■■Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.■■■ Floodwater can be deep and damage roads and bridges.■ Do not let your children play or swim in floodwater.It is dirty, dangerous and deadly.■■Tune in to your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio,Commercial Radio, designated Community Radio Stationsand SKY NEWS Television.■■In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero).■■For emergency help from the SES in floods and storms call132 500.■■Stay away from all waterways including drains and culverts.■■Stay away from fallen power lines – electricity travels easilythrough water.■■Be aware that animals, snakes, rats, spiders and other pestsmay be on the move during a flood - they can come intohouses and other buildings or hide around sandbags.■■Keep in contact with neighbours.■■Be prepared to leave early.When you leave early or evacuate:■■Leaving early is always the safest option, leave well beforeroads are closed by floodwater.■■Take your emergency kit and three days supply of clothingwith you.■■Turn off the electricity, gas and water as you leave.■■Take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind. Dogsshould be muzzled and cats should be caged.■■Go to a relief centre or to stay with friends or family in higherareas.If activated, Relief Centres can help you with:■■Temporary accommodation■■Financial help■■Personal support■■Drinks and meals■■■ Basic clothing and personal needs■ Help to contact family and friends.After a floodFlood dangers do not end when the water begins to fall.To make sure you stay safe:■■Keep listening to local emergency broadcasters.■■Do not return home until advised that it is safe.Once you return to your home:■■Drink bottled water or boil all drinking water until advisedthat the water supply is safe.■■Throw away any food or medicines that may have been incontact with floodwater or affected by power outages.■■When entering the building, use a torch to light yourway - never use matches, cigarette lighters or any other flameas there may be gas inside.■■Keep the electricity and gas off until checked and tested by aprofessional.■■Take photographs of all damage for insurance.■■Clean your home straight away to stay healthy.How SES helps the communityThe Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer basedemergency service. Although our SES volunteers attempt toreach everyone prior to or during an emergency, at times this isnot possible. Therefore it is advisable for you to be prepared foremergencies so that you can share responsibility for your ownwellbeing during those times. In a flood, SES assistance mayinclude:■■Giving flood advice■■Protecting essential services■■Helping to protect infrastructure■■Rescuing people from floodwater■■Advising of an evacuation.To assist your preparation, it is recommended that you obtain acopy of a SES Home Emergency Plan by visitingwww.ses.vic.gov.au.During and After a FloodIf you choose to shelter with a friend or relative, tell authoritieswhere you are staying.Local Flood Guide 11

Checklist and ContactsEmergency ChecklistNOW: Flood preparationCheck if your insurance policies cover flooding.Keep this list of emergency numbers near the telephone.Put together an Emergency Kit and prepare a home or businessEmergency Plan, see www.ses.vic.gov.au.When you hear a Flood Watch or weather warningListen to severe weather warnings for flash flood.Listen to radio and check the SES website for more informationand advice.Go over your Emergency Plan. Pack clothing and other extraitems into your Emergency Kit and take this with you if youevacuate.When flooding may happen soon (a Flood Warning)Make sure your family members and neighbours are aware ofwhat is happening.Be ready to evacuate. Act early, conditions change rapidly, roadsand escape routes can be covered or blocked. Don’t forget totake pets and medicine with you.Put household valuables and electrical items as high as possible.Turn off water, gas and electricity at the mains.Secure objects likely to float and cause damage. Raisechemicals and oils well above the predicted flood height.Move pumps, machinery, hay and livestock to high ground.During the floodFor emergency assistance, call 132 500 for SES.DO NOT drive, ride, swim or walk through floodwater. This is themain cause of death during floods.NEVER allow children to play in floodwater. This is the maincause of death during floods for children and young people.Stay away from drains, culverts and waterways, water can flowquickly and have strong currents.Stay well clear of fallen trees, power lines and damagedbuildings.After the flood: recoveryIf your property has been flooded, check with the GreaterShepparton City Council for information and advice.Have all electrical and gas equipment professionally testedbefore use.For more information visit:www.ses.vic.gov.auwww.facebook.com/vicseswww.twitter.com/vicseswarningsEmergency ContactsLife threatening EmergencyPolice fire ambulanceVictoria State Emergency Service (SES)For flood / storm emergency callsSES Information LineOperates during major floods or stormsBureau of Meteorology (BoM)Weather Information, forecasts, warningsNational Relay Service (NRS)Internet Relay users log intoVicRoadsRoad closures and hazard reporting service132 500The deaf, hearing or speech impaired can call SES or 000 using NRS:■■■■Speak and Listen (SSR) users phoneTTY / Voice users phoneEmergency BroadcastersEmergency broadcasters include ABCLocal Radio, designated commercial radiostations across Victoria and SKY NEWSTelevision.Your electricity supplier:Your gas supplier:Doctor:000Triple ZeroTTY1061300 842 7371300 VIC SESwww.ses.vic.gov.au1300 659 217www.bom.gov.auwww.relayservice.com.auDial1300 555 72713 36 77Then Ask For132 500132 500www.iprelay.com.au/call/then enter: 132 500 or 00013 11 70www.vicroads.vic.gov.auCity of Greater SheppartonPhone: (03) 5832 9700Email:council@shepparton.vic.govv.auWeb:www.greatershepparton.com.auWeather District:Catchment:Complete the following and keep this information handy close to the phone:Vet:InsurancePolicy Number:Phone Number:Northern CountryGoulburn Broken Catchment■■ABC 97.7 FM■■3 SR 95.3 FM■■■ Star FM 96.9 FM■ SKY NEWS TelevisionThis publication is supported by the National Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme.For the latest version of this publication visit www.ses.vic.gov.au Version : EMPC-LFG-21.0 Msy 2013