Advice for staying safe in severe weather

Severe weather conditions are forecast today for far East Gippsland, including up to 60mm of rain.

Wet weather road tips

RACV has the following tips for staying safe on the road.

Avoid travel if possible, and to be aware of the following:

• In areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads
• If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater
• Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.

Flooded roads

• You might think flooded roads are safe to drive through but you don’t know what lurks beneath
• Flood waters can be deeper than you think
• Currents in floodwaters can be strong, sometimes powerful enough to wash a car off the road
• If it’s flooded, forget it.

Wet weather tips around the home

RACV has the following tips to stay safe around the home:

• If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways
• Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees
• Stay indoors and away from windows
• Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live
• All residents in the area should stay informed and monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and through VicEmergency.