Be Prepared During Storm Season
Storm season runs from October to the end of April in Queensland. While extreme weather is commonplace in many parts of the world, storm season in Queensland can be quite severe. It is the time of year when Mother Nature throws all she’s got into this part of Australia. It is not unusual to experience hail storms, lightning, strong winds, flooding, and even cyclones. This is why it is always a good idea to take precautions and prepare you, your family, and your property for Storm Season.
How bad can it get?
Well, there have been record-setting storms in Queensland. One of the most notorious was Cyclone Yasi. This was a Category 5 cyclone that hit the coast of Queensland on February 3, 2011. Yasi had wind gusts estimated at 285 km/h and was 1,450 kilometres in diameter. The storm was moving at a rate of 25km/h and forced thousands of residents of Cairns to evacuate. As it turns out, the storm did not hit there, but flattened banana and sugar cane crops, trees, and several buildings. Yasi became the most costly cyclone in Australian history with an estimated $3.6 billion in damage.
Fortunately, storms like Cyclone Yasi are the exception. However, that does not mean you should ease up on protecting yourself and your home. They call it storm and cyclone season for a reason. It means that there are weather events that can cause damage to your property if you are not prepared properly for the possibility.
How do you do that? We have put together a short list of tips to help you get prepared for the potential of a dangerous storm. Remember, it is always best to prepare for the worst.
Preparation Tips For Storm Season
Tip #1
Have A Plan In Place
In case the storm is severe, and you are on evacuation alert or are about to be evacuated, there are a few things you need to attend to before leaving your home. They include:
- Turn off all utilities
- Follow community disaster preparedness plans
- Have a place pre-selected where all family members can meet and be accounted for
- Also, have an evacuation plan for your pets
Tip #2
Secure The Outside of Your Home
Remove all large outdoor furniture from patios and decks. Also remove any potted plants, bicycles, toys, or other loose belongings. Trim any large trees or shrubs and if you have large outdoor sculptures, wrap them in burlap and tie them with rope.
Tip #3
Use Storm Shutters
To give doors, windows, and skylights added protection, cover them with shutters or impact-resistant glass. For additional coverage, nail plywood sheets over windows.
Tip #4
Secure Wall Hangings
If there is artwork hanging on exterior walls, remove the pieces and store them indoors. Secure all interior artwork and document any with current damage. Photograph all of them for a record that you can update with new photos, if necessary.
Tip #5
Move All Vehicles
In case of a flash flood, it is a good idea to move all vehicles to higher ground. If that is not an option, park them inside your garage but against the garage door. Places you should not park your vehicles when a storm is on the way are in low-lying areas, near powerlines, or under a tree.
Tip #6
Fill Up Everything
Just in case services go down during a severe weather event, you don’t want to be caught without. So, fill the tanks of any vehicles. Also, charge up mobile phones, and test your power generator. Ensure you have adequate fuel for it in case there is an extended power outage.
Tip #7
Unplug Household Appliances
All household appliances should be unplugged from power sources when a storm alert has been issued. For smaller appliances, store them securely in cabinets and move all household fixtures and large appliances away from exterior doors and windows.
Tip #8
Secure Important Papers
Documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance papers, banking documents, and any other legal paperwork should be either stored in a safety deposit box away from your home. If that is not an option, store them in a bolted safe sitting in an interior closet in your home. Also, lock away valuables including jewelry.
Tip #9
Have An Emergency Kit
It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit handy. You can quickly put one together by gathering the following items:
- A battery-operated flashlight, with fresh batteries
- A portable radio
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Blankets
- Clothing
- Toiletries and medications
- Cash
Tip #10
Designate A Home Shelter Room
A room inside your house, which is completely enclosed and located on the first floor, should be used as your shelter room. It should be in the centre of your home and have no windows. This room is a good place to stay until the storm passes.
Additional Planning Information
It is always best to be prepared for a severe storm long before one approaches. This is why it is important to plan months ahead. Take a good look around your home and yard and do some clean-up and organising so that if a storm does develop and is heading your way, you will be able to do emergency preparation without the panic of rushing to complete it.
If the exterior of your home contains potential storm hazards, such as glass ornaments or plenty of small fixtures, replace them with items that are easy to store and won’t cause further damage in a storm. Reduce clutter on decks and patios. Look inside your home and decide what you can do to further protect it from serious damage resulting from a severe storm.
The better prepared you are long before a storm arrives, the better your chances of getting through it unscathed. For more storm safety tips, or advice to help you protect your home, contact the nearest emergency preparedness centre or search for the emergency preparedness website serving your area of Queensland.
