Kempsey Shire locals are no strangers to flooding, with the Macleay River floodplain covering approximately 500km2 downriver from Kempsey, draining an enormous catchment area of 11,500km2.
The large size and geographical shape of the catchment, which collects water all the way from Armidale and funnels it towards the coast, means that residents need to be aware of potential flooding and know how floodwaters affect their homes and businesses.
If you know that floodwaters can affect roads or bridges near you, make alternate plans for work, children and travel. Plan to stay at home if possible when floods are forecast. If you know that you are likely to get cut off during flooding, make sure you are stocked up with essential items.
Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services – and whatever you do, never walk, drive, ride through, play or swim in floodwater. If it's flooded, forget it – floodwaters are toxic and dangerous.
Other danger areas in flooding are storm drains, pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks and rivers. These areas can quickly change with storm surges, with unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise any assets away from expected flood water, including waste and chemical containers. Farmers should move pumps, animals and farm equipment to higher ground.
