Residents guide to safety during a severe weather event

BOM issues a number of different types of warnings before and during weather events which could result in flooding in parts of Brisbane. Triggers to listen and watch out for include:

• flood warnings, severe weather and thunderstorm warnings, especially those mentioning the possibility of flash flooding
• tropical cyclone warnings including warnings of storm tide
• prolonged heavy rain
• rising creeks and rivers, and localised pooling of water.

Warnings are sent from BOM to media, Council, Department of Emergency Services and other agencies involved in managing severe weather and flood response activities. The list below identifies ways for you to access warning information.

• internet - Bureau of Meteorology website
• radio - tune into your local station
• television - watch out for televised weather updates
• BOMs weather service - online or by phone 1300 659 219 (local call charges apply)

The wailing siren that has been used in Queensland for tropical cyclones (called the Standard Emergency Warning Signal) can also be used for other major weather and flood events. You may hear it on radio or television prior to advice about a flood, cyclone or storm. To hear a sample, visit the State Government Warnings Website.

For the Brisbane River and creeks where specialised rainfall and river height gauges have been installed, flood warnings and river height bulletins will describe flooding as 'minor', 'moderate' or 'major'. You will hear these terms in weather forecasts so it is important that you are familiar with what they mean.

Minor flooding - Causes inconvenience. Low-lying areas next to watercourses are inundated which may require the removal of stock and equipment. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.

Moderate flooding - In addition to the above, the evacuation of some houses may be required. Main traffic routes may be cut by flood waters.

Major flooding - In addition to the above, extensive areas are inundated. Properties and suburbs are likely to be isolated and major traffic routes likely to be closed. Evacuation of people from flood-affected areas may be required.

Find out more using Council's Flood Awareness Maps.

The Brisbane Severe Weather Alert service allows residents in the Brisbane City Council Local Government Area to register for and receive severe and urgent weather alerts via email, SMS, and/or home phone, which may affect their residential address.

Find out how to register for Brisbane Severe Weather Alert.

You can access traffic and travel information from the Queensland Government's 13 19 40 website or by phoning them on 13 19 40.

If you do need to evacuate, remember that public transport services may not be reliable due to service interruptions or diversions around flood waters. Visit the Translink website or phone 13 12 30 for public transport information.

It is natural to want to stay and protect your home and valuables. In times of emergency, the State Emergency Service (SES) will provide assistance and support, including sandbags, to help you protect your property.

However, as flood waters rise, dangers increase and evacuation may be required.

Council works with may government and community groups to manage flood events as smoothly as possible. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. You may consider finding safer temporary accommodation such as a friend or relative's house. If you are evacuating voluntarily, remember to tell a relative or neighbour where you are going.

Emergency shelters can change depending on where the water is. Contact Council or listen to the radio for information bulletins on your nearest centre.

Before you evacuate, remind your family or other household members of your central contact point in case you get separated. Make sure each household member has important phone numbers with them.