Storm season is here – SES share how to prepare for the wet weather
Storm season has well and truly begun in Queensland, with heavy rainfall soaking the state and more wet weather ahead of us.
The State Emergency Service (SES) work alongside the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and other emergency services to provide emergency and rescue services to communities impacted by natural disasters and emergencies.
SES are particularly busy during storms, floods and similar events.
Since storm season officially began on October 1, SES have completed close to 1000 requests for help across the state, primarily for support with structural concerns such as roofs requiring tarping.
The highest requests for help came from the Brisbane region.
Preparing for severe weather
It’s everyone’s responsibility to prepare themselves, their family and their home for the next emergency. Preparing for severe weather can make you and your family more resilient.
There are some steps you can take to minimise the impact of severe weather on your home and family.
Make an emergency plan
- Research hazards and disaster management arrangements for your community.
- Discuss possible emergency scenarios and what you might need to do.
- Think about your shelter or evacuation options.
- Think about reasons you may need to leave your home.
Pack your emergency kit
An emergency kit has the supplies for your essential needs in emergencies such as storms, floods and cyclones. Your kit should have the supplies you need for several days in case you lose services such as power and water and are unable to access fresh food.
Pack enough supplies for every member of your family. Keep your kit in a waterproof container in an accessible location. Check your kit every season to make sure supplies are fresh and safe to use.
Make your kit today:
- Food and water.
- Self-powered items such as torch, battery powdered radio and cooking equipment.
- Medical and personal items.
- Important documents.
- Pet supplies, if required.
Preparing for storms and cyclones
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly.
- Trim trees and branches that overhang your home. Be careful of any overhead powerlines.
- Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings on your home.
- Secure, weigh down or put away any loose items around the house, yard or balcony. Items such as potted plants, outdoor furniture, garbage bins, and trampolines can become dangerous missiles.
- Identify the strongest room in your home to shelter in during storms and cyclones.
- Know where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power, and gas.
Preparing for floods
Across Queensland, river, creek, coastal and flash flooding are common. Even if your home, work or school is not near a waterway, it might still be at risk of flooding from overland flow or heavy rain. Flooding might also isolate you from shops, schools and amenities.
- Check with your local council if flooding could be a danger to your home and family. As well as flood water inundation, isolation due to flood water can also cause problems.
- Store all fuels, poisons and chemicals above potential flood water levels.
- Consider how you might prevent water from entering your home using flood barriers or sand bags. If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, prepare a plan in case your power is cut, it may take some time to be restored.
Fore more information, head to SES Prepare for Severe Weather.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
For non-life threatening flood and storm emergency assistance during severe weather, call SES on 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland.
