SES spokesperson mid west regional manager Stephen Warren said the focus is on helping residents to understand their flood risk and how to prepare for future flood events.

"Residents are encouraged to meet SES volunteers during the door knock to learn how they can be prepared for the threat of flood. This will also be an opportunity to obtain their copy of the Beaufort Local Flood Guide. A little preparation goes a long way and we all need to take responsibility for our safety and learn the local flood risks," he said.

Driving through floodwater is the biggest killer of adults in Australian floods. It isn't just drowning that kills. Flood water also contains a range of dangers - dangers that may harm children if they play in it. By the time water has reached your neighbourhood, it may have picked up all kinds of materials including toxic chemicals, animal faeces, decaying animals, garbage, broken glass and twisted metal.

Anyone who comes into contact with floodwater may be exposed to E.coli infection, diarrhoea, hepatitis, infections and dermatitis to name a few.

Floodwater also washes out roads to create slips and sinkholes, so even seemingly shallow water across a familiar road can pose danger. Floodwater as shallow as the bottom of your car door can sweep away your vehicle, and by then you've already lost control. Don't ever risk driving through floodwater.

Victoria has a long history of flooding, which costs Victorians over $400 million on average each year and can cause significant damage to homes, businesses and community infrastructure.

The Ararat SES Unit, along with Ballarat SES, responds to floods in the Beaufort area, while many students from Beaufort attend secondary college in Ararat, so Controller Donna Dunmore was pleased to attend the launch.

In the coming months, SES volunteers will be door knocking high flood risk properties in Beaufort.