Storm season in Queensland is here, and it’s important to be prepared so you can protect your home for when extreme weather hits.
Lasting from October through to February / March, storm season is the period when our sub-tropical climate throws some nasty thunderstorms and cyclones our way. These produce heavy rain, flash flooding, hail and high winds, all of which can do damage to your property. Here’s how to get it prepared:
- Clear gutters – reduce the risk of water damage from blocked gutters and overflowing downpipes by removing leaf litter.
- Check roof – a sturdy, strong roof is your home’s most important asset in a severe storm. Fix loose roof tiles and secure sheets of iron.
- Trim fence vegetation – fences are more likely to collapse under the weight of overgrown vegetation in strong winds, keep it trimmed back.
- Prune tree branches – avoid damage to your house, car and neighbouring power lines by pruning overhanging tree branches.
- Put away / secure outdoor items – furniture, children’s toys and pot plants can become flying projectiles in high winds, tie them down well or put inside the house.
- Surge protectors – these can be fitted in your home’s power points to protect people from getting shocks during a storm.
- Protect skylights / glass windows & doors – fit wire mesh to skylights to protect them from hail, fit shutters or storm windows to glass windows and doors to protect them from being broken by tree branches and flying objects.
Have an Emergency Kit
A portable emergency kit is vital to ensure survival for three days as a severe storm can cut off power, water and services, or even force evacuation. Your emergency kit should contain items such as:
- waterproof torch with spare batteries and bulbs, or wind-up torch
- portable radio with spare batteries
- a list of Brisbane radio stations for emergency information
- candles with waterproof matches or a gas lantern
- first aid kit, including essential medications and copies of prescriptions
- drinking water and non-perishable food
- list of emergency and personal phone numbers
- insurance documents and policy numbers e.g. life/car/house/contents
Visit the Brisbane City Council’s Be Prepared page for a complete list of recommended emergency kit items. You can also sign up to the Early Warning Network to get a free phone call or text from your local emergency authority to alert you of severe weather in your area.
