As a subtropical city, Brisbane is no stranger to severe summer storms. These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, hail, and flooding, so it’s crucial to prepare your property and household ahead of time. Brisbane’s storm season typically runs from October through March, but storms can strike at any time of the year, Being prepared will protect your family, home, and belongings from potential damage.
When Should You Start Preparing?
While it’s ideal to begin preparations in August or September, it’s never too late to get your property ready, even if the storm season has already started. Taking these steps now will still help minimise risks and ensure your home is protected throughout the rest of the season.
How to Prepare Your Property
1. Clean Gutters and Downpipes
Ensuring your roof, gutters, and downpipes are clean and free of debris is critical. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your property, while blocked downpipes can lead to drainage problems and even flooding.
2. Check and Trim Trees
Trim any overhanging branches near your house, and consider hiring an arborist to assess the health of larger trees around your property to prevent potential storm-related damage,
3. Secure Loose Items
Identify and secure any loose objects in your yard that could become dangerous projectiles during strong winds. Outdoor furniture, garden tools, toys, and even decorations should be stored or tied down.
4. Protect Your Roof
If your roof is prone to leaks, organise a roofer to inspect and quote to repair now. Prepare for emergency repairs by keeping plastic sheeting or tarps on hand.
5. Flood Preparedness
If your property is in a known flood-prone area, consider moving valuable items to higher ground. Having sandbags available may also help divert water away from entry points in your home. To view the latest mapping, please find the link here: www.fam.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Stay Informed and Alert
In addition to physical preparation, staying informed about approaching storms is vital. If you live within Brisbane City Council, BCC provides several ways to stay updated:
Sign Up for Alerts: You can subscribe to the Brisbane Severe Weather Alert Service to receive real-time updates via SMS, email, or recorded phone calls, register here: www.bswa.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Emergency Dashboard: The Brisbane City Council’s Emergency Dashboard offers live updates on road closures, power outages, and other storm-related information. www.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-
safety/disasters-and-emergencies/emergency-dashboard
Tune In to Local News: Stay connected to your local radio stations and social media for weather updates.
What to Do Before, During, and After a Storm
Before the Storm
• Charge your mobile devices and keep a battery-powered radio handy for updates,
• Secure vehicles under cover and ensure pets are safe indoors or sheltered appropriately.
During the Storm
• Stay indoors in a room with few windows, like a bathroom or hallway. Avoid using electrical appliances and keep clear of windows,
• If outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle and avoid trees or power lines.
After the Storm
• Check your property for damage, be cautious of fallen power lines and debris, and handle any necessary emergency repairs with care.
• Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to see if they need assistance.
Creating a Household Emergency Plan
A well-prepared household should have an emergency plan in place. This includes knowing where to seek shelter during a storm, having an emergency kit ready with essentials such as first aid supplies, water, and food, and ensuring all family members know what to do in an emergency. Visit the Brisbane City Council website to sign up for storm alerts and access tools that can help you create a household emergency plan, Preparing early and staying informed are the keys to keeping your home and loved ones safe this storm season.
Stay safe and be prepared this storm season!
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