THERE is a moment every South East Queenslander knows. The afternoon has been hot and sticky and the air changes. The sky turns black, the wind rises and thunder rumbles in the distance.
And somebody inevitably looks towards the horizon and says: “Here it comes.”
Summer storms can turn violent quickly, bringing damaging winds, large hail, intense rainfall, lightning and flash flooding.
We cannot control what comes out of the sky, but we can control how prepared we are when it arrives.
Start With The Backyard
In destructive winds, everyday backyard items can become dangerous projectiles.
Walk around your property before storm season and look at what could take flight.
Secure trampolines, put away umbrellas, find somewhere safe for outdoor furniture, pot plants and bins, clear gutters and drains and deal with damaged or overhanging branches before the weather turns ugly.
When severe weather threatens, move vehicles under cover where possible and keep them away from trees, powerlines and waterways.
Build The Storm Box
When the power goes out, preparation suddenly matters.
Keep an emergency kit somewhere everyone can find it.
Pack drinking water, non-perishable food, essential medication, a first-aid kit, torches, spare batteries, a battery-powered radio, phone chargers and a fully charged power bank.
Think beyond the basics. Babies, pets, older family members and people with disability may require additional supplies.
Keep important documents and insurance details protected and easy to access.
Know What Is Coming
Do not wait for a message in the neighbourhood group chat to discover a severe storm is heading your way.
Follow official weather warnings and know where to find your council’s disaster information.
Have a household plan. Know where you will shelter, what you will take and how family members will contact each other if they become separated.
A five-minute conversation before storm season can prevent confusion when conditions deteriorate.
