Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate can be unpredictable, making it hard to know how best you can prepare your home and family for severe weather. Follow these simple steps from Brisbane City Council's SES Local Controller, Nadine Ramsay, to get ready for severe weather.
1. Tidying your garden is one of the easiest things you can do all-year round. Trim your trees, remove any branches that hang over your house and clear garden of loose leaves and branches. If it is safe for you to do so, make sure you check your gutters are clear and remove any build-up of leaves, or alternatively seek out a property maintenance provider to do so on your behalf. Remember to put all your organic waste straight in your green waste recycling bin and always check with Council before undertaking any work on protected vegetation on your property.
2. Register for Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts. Council’s free severe weather alerts provide advanced warnings that help you prepare and protect your family and property.
3. Pack your emergency kit and check the contents of kits regularly. Pack essentials to support your household for 3 days without water or electricity.
4. Know your risk. Check out the Flood awareness map for general awareness on the possibility of flooding at your property, using historic flooding and latest flood studies.
5. Understand your bushfire risk and make your bushfire survival plan with your family.
6. Visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard for real-time emergency situation information.
7. If needed, collect sandbags from Council depots to reduce the impact of flooding on your property. Learn how to use sandbags effectively and find the location of Council depots.
Find out if you’re ready for severe weather, including storm season, at Council’s online home readiness checklist.