Information from the Bureau of Meteorology about the time and amount of rainfall, and any local variations in the distribution of rainfall in the area. Information about when any river levels peaked. Eyewitness accounts about the appearance and colour of water which may indicate the source of the water. If the local council prepared its own report, obtain a copy. Photos, videos and other records of the flood, including home videos and, if possible, news footage.
Floods tend to affect a large number of people in the same area.
Negotiating with insurance companies Consumers should establish local committees to act as support and advice centres and to deal with issues and claims resulting from denied claims from insurance companies. In Wollongong, following floods in August 1998, the community organised a Stormwater Action Group. It lobbied the NRMA, the major insurance company in the area. As a result of this action, the NRMA agreed not to rely on the distinction between floodwater and rainwater in paying claims. This stops information being relayed from one person to another, and ensures you deal directly with the senior person who is the decision maker.