Brisbane’s unpredictable storm season is predicted to be wetter than usual with Lord Mayor urging residents to act early to prepare their homes, families and businesses.
Cr Schrinner said the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a 75% chance of above average rainfall for Brisbane, which could result in increased thunderstorms, flash flooding or localised flooding.
“Our city has experienced first-hand how unpredictable the weather can be, so being prepared today could save you tomorrow,” he said.
“As recently as May this year Brisbane was pummelled with hail and heavy rain, which caused flash flooding in parts of Woolloongabba, Moorooka and Salisbury.
“Council is doing its part to get ready by working alongside a range of different agencies, including the Australian Red Cross, Queensland Police Service and The Salvation Army, in a mock evacuation centre scenario to test our efficiency and COVID-Safe practices.
“Now is the perfect time for residents to do their to prepare and protect their properties, limit damage and most importantly keep loved ones safe ahead of storm season.
“Cleaning leaves from gutters, roofs and downpipes, tying down loose objects and putting together a basic emergency kit are just a few simple things we can do now that could make a big difference the next time severe weather strikes.”
Cr Schrinner said Council’s new online home readiness checklist was a quick and easy way for residents to see if their property was ready for storm season.
“Like getting a health check or renewing their insurance, we want every resident to make preparing their home and business for unexpected weather a part of their annual routine,” he said.
“To help, Council has a free online home readiness checklist where residents can learn their readiness score and what else they can do to reduce their risk from bushfires, storms, severe weather and other natural disasters – just search ‘home readiness checklist’ on our website.
“We’re also encouraging people to register for Council’s free Early Warning Alert Service by Weatherzone, which sent out more than 9.5 million messages last storm season.”
Council has so far trimmed 37,719 trees including the removal of fallen branches from storms, and conducted 13 planned burns this year.
Council has also invested $5.1 million in Brisbane City SES for 2021-22.
For more information on preparing for severe weather visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3403 8888.
Residents can prepare for severe weather by:
- Signing up to Council’s free Early Warning Alert Service (via the Weatherzone app or registering online).
- Cleaning leaf litter from their roof, gutter and downpipes, and packing away loose items around the home.
- Knowing their flood and bushfire risk. Council’s Flood Awareness Maps are a good starting point.
- Having an evacuation plan and emergency kit that includes items such as first aid supplies, non-perishable food and water, a torch, candles, portable radio and car charger for your mobile phone.
Visit www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news to keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane.
