1. Our Group Disaster Management Plan: Flooding By student W, student X, student Y and student Z

2. Contents page What are the risk factors and causes of floods? What are the impacts on people and the environment? What is in place in Australia to prevent this? What measures can be taken to prevent, reduce, and respond to floods?

3. What are the risk factors and causes of floods?

4. Rain can cause floods: Risk factors include lack of drainage, rain for long periods of time, lots of rain in a short period of time and more rain than the ground can handle. River overflow: Risk factors: more water than usual from another water source/river or lots of rain. This can also happen in low lying areas known as floodplains. Strong winds in coastal areas: Risk factors: strong winds can cause giant waves and hurricances which can cause tsunamis and flooding when they hit land. Dam breaking: Risk factors: too much water stored in a dam can lead to the walls breaking and water overflowing. Water can be intentionally released to stop the dam breaking however this to can lead to flooding. Ice and snow-melts: Risk factors: global warming can cause the ice to melt which then causes sea levels to rise and effect low level areas by forcing extra water onto normally dry areas of land. Risks and Causes

5. What is in place in Australia to prevent this? Use dot points Include the source for your information Credit any images you use

6. Flood Warning System Flood Warning System devised by the Australian Government © Sourced from http://www.dfes.wa.g ov.au/safetyinformati on/warningsystems/Pa ges/default.aspx

7. Town planning and prevention © Sourced from http://eschooltoday.c om/natural- disasters/floods/flood -prevention- methods.html  Build Sea / Coastal Defence Walls  Retaining walls  Town planning to ensure buildings are not placed on floodplains and to include drainage  Trees, plants and grass to prevent erosion  Education for communities to help reduce the dangers and to prepare  Detention basin which temporarily store water to hold off the flood water as long as possible

8. The Bureau of Meterology The Bureau of Meteorology provides rainfall and river level data to monitor water levels. Council and other agencies including the Emergency Services provide data on their web site. Weather is monitored. Prediction and detection is the first step. Interpretation of the data and finally a message is constructed to inform the public whilst a response team is being devised. Warnings are provided to the public advising whether flooding is expected to be minor, moderate or major. An Alert, Watch or Advice will be issued depending on the location and severity. The Bureau of Meteorology works with the council to implement flood warning systems where appropriate. Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood/EMA_Floods_warning_preparedness_safety.pdf

9. © Screenshots taken from the Bureau of Metereolog y at http://ww w.bom.gov. au/australi a/flood/EM A_Floods_w arning_pre paredness_ safety.pdf Understanding warnings and where to get help

10. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council The Sunshine Coast Disaster Management Plan has been devised to solve this problem. The plan can be found at http://www.sunshinecoa st.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cf m?code=disaster-plan http://www.sunshinecoa st.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cf m?code=disaster-plan Many roles are outlined. The main ideas from this sample table © http://www.sunshinecoa st.qld.gov.au/addfiles/do cuments/emergency_ma nagement/13_appendix_ c.pdf http://www.sunshinecoa st.qld.gov.au/addfiles/do cuments/emergency_ma nagement/13_appendix_ c.pdf

11. What are the impacts on people and the environment

12. Impacts Some animals will thrive whilst others will be killed or need to move on Animals which live on the ground such as mammals and reptiles are most affected The waterways become eroded, contaminated and filled with rubbish which also affects the plants and animals living there Lots of fish get stranded and die Flooded areas lose their protection such as banks or trees making them more likely to flood again Soil gets contaminated and affects farming The seafood industry is affected for a number of months as the seabed gets a toxic covering There is a large financial cost to the town roads, bridges, farms, houses and cars are destroyed people become homeless emergency workers such as fireman, police, SES and other volunteers help out where they can It can take years to rebuild The water supply and electricity can be affected Floods can cause and spread diseases Flood water can also bring lots of nutrients and minerals to the land Source: http://www.wildlife.org.au/news/2011/flooding5.htmlhttp://www.wildlife.org.au/news/2011/flooding5.html Source: http://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/effects-of-flooding.htmlhttp://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/effects-of-flooding.html

13. What measures can be taken to prevent, reduce, and respond to floods? Use dot points Include the source for your information Credit any images you use

14. Before Find out if you live in a floodplain and if so, have an electrician raise your electrical ports above flood level. Find out your community emergency plan, evacuation plan, warning signals and shelters Plan and practice a flood evacuation Set up an emergency contact within your family who lives in a different area If you are being evacuated, turn of all electricity and be aware of fallen power lines Secure items in your backyard and raise furniture where possible if you have time Install backflow valves on all drains and toilets so they cannot overflow Put all chemicals as high as possible to avoid them contaminating the water Have an emergency supply kit with your important documents, food, water, phone chargers, money and a radio. Fill the bath and empty containers with clean water. Enough food and water for 3 to 5 days. Keep a first aid kit and medicines close by as well as batteries, a torch and blankets Have baby items ready to go including formula, wipes and nappies Have toiletries ready to go A car emergency kit including food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc. Good shoes, insect repellent and gloves Make sure you have plenty of fuel Bring your pets Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals as well as tuning into the radio Do not walk or drive through flood water Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp

15. During Flooding can start quickly so you must evacuate and find higher ground as soon as possible. Only take important belongings, your emergency supplies, pets and help elderly people and children. Unplug and turn off all electrical appliances and gas. Do not drive, walk or swim through flood water so you don’t get swept away. Keep clear from fallen power lines. Try to stay out of the floodwaters as they may contain chemicals or sharp objects. Was your hands with soap after coming into contact with floodwaters. Stay away from power lines or broken power transmission cables. Try to keep away from flood water as it may contain chemicals or other hazardous materials. Listen to the radio or tv for updates and head to the nearest shelter. Tie down items outside if you have enough warning. Source: http://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/before-during-after-floods.htmlhttp://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/before-during-after-floods.html Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/pdf/be-ready-floods.pdfhttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/pdf/be-ready-floods.pdf

16. After Disinfect everything and throw away anything that cannot be disinfected Listen to the radio for information about the safety of drinking water and where to get supplies Wear gloves and boots when cleaning up Be careful to avoid the floodwaters which may contain rubbish, chemicals or hazards Make sure your house has been cleared for you to return Don’t turn on any electrical appliances until you have received clearance from a qualified electrician Take photos of damage for insurance Have the building checked for safety Watch out for wildlife such as snakes or spiders Stock up on food and fuel Source: http://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/before-during-after-floods.htmlhttp://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/before-during-after-floods.html Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/pdf/be-ready-floods.pdfhttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/pdf/be-ready-floods.pdf Source: http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/flood/Pages/recoverfromaflood.aspxhttp://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/flood/Pages/recoverfromaflood.aspx