NSW flooding: stay safe and seek support
Many New South Wales residents are currently dealing with significant rainfall and flooding. With heavy rainfall and damaging winds still forecasted, state emergency services are urging those in affected regions to be prepared and stay alert ahead of the continuing flood risks.
If you’re currently impacted by these extreme weather events, it’s vital you know what to do. You can prepare for potential emergencies by having enough supplies on hand to last for up to 72 hours. It’s also a good idea set up a support network with friends, family, neighbours and your local council.
How Deakin can help
Deakin is committed to supporting all students and staff affected by natural disasters.
If you or your family has been impacted by this extreme weather event, we can provide a variety of assistance, including financial help, replacement of lost essentials (such as books and laptops), flexibility with study deadlines and counselling support.
Our Natural Disaster Assistance Packages include a personal combination of support services tailored to your needs – learn more and apply now.
If you need further specific help, here’s what to do:
- Explore the range of financial assistance available.
- If you can’t get to classes or need extra time for an assignment or assessment, please contact your unit chair as soon as you’re able.
- If you can’t complete an assessment task, check the eligibility and application process for special consideration.
- Make use of our student health and wellbeing services – our counsellors provide free and confidential psychological support, and our multifaith chaplains offer compassionate support to all students (you don’t have to be religious).
- Affected international students are encouraged to seek advice and support from a Student Adviser by contacting Student Central.
Stay informed
It is essential you have the right information to keep safe. To stay up to date with the current flood warnings, we recommend the following sites.
- The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides the most current weather information, including incidents and flood warnings for NSW.
- The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) hosts maps of affected regions and evacuation warnings for NSW, plus FAQs about what you should do to request SES help in emergency situations.
- Check Live traffic NSW for current road closures, remember to never drive through floodwater.
- Services Australia provides specific information about financial support you may be eligible for.
- NSW Government also provides information on recovering from a natural disaster.
Be prepared
The NSW SES has practical information about what to do in a flood emergency and how they can help, including:
- providing flood advice
- protecting essential services
- helping to protect properties
- advising of an evacuation.
If you need help from the SES, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
What to do after an emergency
After immediate life-threatening conditions pass, you must still take care as dangerous conditions may remain, and you may not be able to immediately return home. The NSW SES has information on recovering from a flood emergency.
You should also:
- If your property is damaged, contact your insurer as soon as possible to lodge a claim. Visit your insurer’s website or the Insurance Council of Australia Disasters website for more information.
- For recovery and financial support information, contact your local council, or visit the NSW SES has information on recovering from a flood emergency.