The rain has arrived, and SES Victoria has set up some sandbag collection points around Melbourne to help you stay flood ready. If your home is at risk of flooding, you can reduce the amount of water entering the building by using sandbags. Remember not to drive through flood water.
Sandbag Collection Points
Please note that these locations and operating times may change at short notice. You can pick up sandbags at:
Bonbeach
VICSES Chelsea Unit – 99 Scotch Parade, Bonbeach
When: 3pm to 6pm
You can collect 5 sandbags per household.
Maribyrnong
Bunnings – Corner Rosamond Road and Williamson Road, Maribyrnong
When: From 2pm onwards
Port Melbourne
Bunnings – 501 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne
When: 5:30pm to 9pm
Chirnside Park
Bunnings – 268-288 Maroondah Hwy, Chirnside Park
When: 5:30pm to 9pm
How to use sandbags
Fill the hessian bags with sand, not dirt, and ensure that they are two-thirds full. Don’t tie the top of the sandbag. Lay them like bricks, and stagger the rows. Ensure the unfilled part of the bag is covered by the next bag. Tuck the flap under the bag at the end of the row. If the sandbag wall is going to be more than five bags high, you will need to lay them two rows wide.
Place the sandbags in plastic bags to cover drainage holes, such as showers, toilets and sinks, to stop the back flow of water. Place a small wall across doorways, at least the heigh of the expected water level. Be careful not to trap yourself.
You can keep an eye on the sandbag collection points, as well as the SES guide to sandbagging here.
Head to the Bureau of Meteorology for updates and further information. Go to VicEmergency and keep an eye on your area for warnings. You can also download the VicEmergency app, see updates on Facebook and Twitter, or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for information. Keep an eye on VicTraffic for traffic alerts. Call VICSES on 132 500 for a flood, storm or landslide emergency. If your situation is a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for help.