Always be prepared!
Tuesday 25th September 07:50:20 EST 2007
Severe storms, can strike at any time, the storm season, which officially runs from October 1 to March 31 is the prime time for severe weather, but this is not always the case, the weather patterns of the world are changing, temperatures are changing, tides are changing, and the weather is becoming more unpredictable each year.
What is a severe storm?
There are two types of severe storms: thunderstorms and land gales. Thunderstorms can  produce extremely large or incredible amounts of hail, wind gusts, flash floods, tornadoes, and, lightning which can cause death, injury and damage to property, they also have enough power to lift roofs and make missiles out of garden furniture. Thunderstorms are more common and generally more dangerous than land gales. Land gales are simply gale force winds that occur over the land.
What can you do to prepare for severe storm season?
- Be aware of severe storm patterns in your area (contact your local council for advice);
- Trim trees, remove overhanging branches and clear gutters and downpipes, clear yard of loose materials and rubbish;
- Secure loose roof tiles or sheets;
- Protect sky lights with wire mesh and fit glass windows and doors with shutters or insect screens;
- Prepare an emergency kit (emergency phone numbers, portable radio, torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, strong plastic bags for clothing, valuables, and plastic sheets, timber strips, hammers and nails for temporary repairs);
- Check boats are securely moored, or protected on land; and
- Check home insurance is current and adequate (Include building debris clean up/disposal costs).
There are simple important steps that you and your family can take to prepare for natural disasters. One of those steps is to have an emergency kit. See our sidebar on the left of this page for guidance on developing such a kit
***Develop your Family Home Emergency Plan now!! ***
Preparation for storm events goes further than home and contents. It is important that the occupants of the household are also prepared and that children understand these arrangements and your pets are catered for.
Meet with your family to develop a Home Family Emergency Plan Explain the dangers of high waters and flooding to children Plan and practise an evacuation route Establish a safe meeting point in case of a sudden emergency Discuss how you will care for pets in the event you leave your home
Learn how and when to turn off the utility mains such as gas, electricity and water What can you do when a severe storm approaches?
- Listen to the local radio station for severe storm advice and warnings
(Caboolture105.5 FM) ; 
- Shelter and secure animals;
- Put loose garden furniture, toys etc inside;
- Park vehicles under solid shelter or cover with firmly tied tarpaulins/blankets;
- Secure all external doors and windows and draw curtains;
- Keep valuables, medications, spare clothing in plastic bags and your emergency kit handy; and
- Disconnect all electrical items, external TV/radio aerials and computer modems.
What can you do when a severe storm strikes?
- Listen to your (portable) radio for severe storm updates (Caboolture105.5 FM);
- Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights;
- If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part (cellar, internal room, hallway or built-in wardrobe) under a mattress, doona or a strong table or bench;
- If outdoors, seek solid enclosed shelter;
- If driving, stop clear of trees, power lines and streams; and
- Don’t use a fixed telephone during a severe storm due to lightning danger.
Storm warnings are advised via Local Radio, ABC radio, news, Internet and the Bureau of Meteorology. If a storm warning is issued for this area, you should:
- Listen to ABC and/or local radio for information and advice Make contact with neighbours to ensure they are appropriately prepared Bring children and pets indoors Stay clear of windows Move outdoor furniture to a safe location such as the garage
- Put your family emergency kit where you can find it easily
While the storm is passing through, stay indoors and away from windows.
What about my car?
- Park your car undercover and away from trees Keep an emergency kit in your car
- Ensure your car is always in a roadworthy state
What if I am stuck in my car during a storm?
- DO NOT drive into water of unknown depth and current. This can be deadly Slow down and turn headlights on Be alert and watch for hazards on the road, such as powerlines
- Storms claim lives.
If visibility becomes low:
- Ensure you slow down and put your headlights on Put on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road in a clear safe area Make sure you are clear of streams, trees and powerlines
- DO NOT drive into water of unknown depth and current
What should I do after a severe storm has hit?
- Listen to your local radio station for official Advices and Warnings ;
- Check for structural property damage and cover with plastic sheeting and nailed on wood strips;
- For emergency assistance refer to your emergency phone numbers or contact your local Council;
- Beware of fallen powerlines and trees, damaged buildings and flooded watercourses; and
- Don’t go sight-seeing
Keep listening to your local radio for information and advice Check your house for damage. If you need help from SES, call 132 500 For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately Stay well clear of creeks, drains, fallen trees, fallen powerlines and damaged structures Ensure children are supervised If you don't need help yourself, check with your neighbour
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