Plan Ahead - If it's flooded, forget it

The best way to avoid driving in floodwater is to be prepared.

Three quarters of Queenslanders have experienced driving in and around floodwaters in the past two years. Check if flooding is likely, plan ahead and make alternative arrangements so you are not driving on flooded roads.

Keep an eye on the weather

Signing up for weather notifications on your smartphone can help you to make safer decisions when things change. Make sure you’re covered for places you regularly visit so you can sort out the school pickup, work from home or reschedule that bushwalk.

Check the roads before you leave

QLDTraffic provides state-wide information on road conditions, including incidents and hazards, closures and restrictions, roadworks and special events. You can also check out flood cameras and real-time traffic imagery.

Stay up-to-date

It's important to stay informed and connected during severe weather, and your local council should be your first port of call. Find your local disaster information here. You can also go to disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings and don't forget to tune in to local radio.

Know the signs

It’s dangerous to drive on flooded roads, causeways, creek crossings and unsealed roads. Take note of warning signs and flood depth indicators on roads you normally use, as these will likely flood in the future.

Have a back-up plan

Prepare for bad weather now, not in the moment. The safest option is usually to wait it out, so make your emergency plan online today. For example: who can pick up the kids if you get stuck at work?

Never race a storm

Most summer storms are over within an hour. It’s usually safer to wait until the storm stops before driving. Re-think your need to travel and put your safety first. For example: Do you really need to pop to the shops?

Vehicle emergency essentials

Here are some potentially life saving items to have in the car. Some items should be kept where the driver can reach them, while others can be stored safely in the back for when you need to pull over and wait until it is safe to travel again.

At arms reach

The safest choice is to avoid the risk of floodwater completely, however an emergency hammer, waterproof torch and foil blanket can help if you get stuck or trapped in your vehicle. They should be kept where the driver can reach them. If your windows stop working, breaking them is almost impossible without a vehicle emergency hammer.