FloodSafe

Community FloodSafe Program in South Australia

Increasing resilience in urban communities facing flood risk.

Community FloodSafe is modelled on the successful NSW SES program of the same name.  FloodSafe is a partnership between local councils and state and federal governments. It began in SA with a pilot program in early 2009 focusing on the southern metropolitan councils. In 2009-10 the program is being expanded to northern metropolitan council areas and close rural areas. By 2012 it is hoped that the program will be state-wide.  The Bureau of Meteorology and the Department for Water Land and Bio-diversity Conservation are also partners in the SA program alongside SES and the Councils of the southern metropolitan area.

The FloodSafe program is funded by the Federal Government through Emergency Management Australia, the Department for Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation, and local funding from Councils including Adelaide, Mitcham, Marion, Unley, Holdfast Bay and West Torrens. The key creek systems  in the first year of the program include Brown Hill, Keswick, Sturt, Chamber, Minno and the Patawalonga. 

From 2009-10 northern waterways including Dry Creek, Gawler, Light, Little Para, North and South Para, Torrens and the Port Adelaide waterways will be added. 

The first northern Councils to join in 2009-2010 are the District Council of Mallala and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.  Both these councils have significant tidal inundation and storm surge issues along their coast and this broadens the flood risk issues of FloodSafe.

The FloodSafe program uses existing State Emergency Service volunteers, as well as new community volunteers with good presentation skills, to reach into communities to raise awareness in flood-prone areas.  Initiatives will include articles in Council newsletters, street corner meetings, community group meetings, internet sites, brochures, school education and public relations. The focus will be risk, consequences and self-help.

The volunteers talk to community groups, local residents, businesses and schools about what they can do reduce the risk of flood damage and improve the resilience of their community if a flood should occur. If you are involved with a community group within the council areas mentioned above and your group is interested in hearing our FloodSafe presentation please contact Judith Bleechmore on 0407 794 756.

Flood mapping has highlighted the flood-prone areas and each council has nominated the key areas for FloodSafe to target.  The FloodSafe volunteers will address communities on:

• Local risks
• Historic flooding in the area
• Having a flood plan to reduce the risk to business equipment, stock and staff
• Protecting your family and property
• Understanding BOM Flood Watch and Flood warnings
• Having a home emergency kit
• How to call for SES response

By working with local communities the SES volunteers will become more familiar with local flood-prone areas and the residents who may need help in storms or floods..

Community Volunteers are being sought to join the FloodSafe program. People with good presentation or teaching skills can be part of the teams going into local communities with the FloodSafe message.  Fifty SES Volunteers from Units including Prospect, Metro South, Sturt, Enfield, Campbelltown, Mt Barker, Eastern Suburbs, Western Adelaide, Noarlunga and State Communications Unit have been trained and are preparing a busy schedule of events each month in the funding council areas.

Call Judith Bleechmore on 8345 9100 or on mobile 0407 794 756 if you would like more details
Or register your interest by filling in this online form

 
Pictured above are the volunteers and trainers of the FloodSafe project photographed at a training session held on Sunday, 24th August.

For the latest news, information and photos read the FloodSafe Newsletter