It’s the time of the year that most Queenslanders love. The weather is warming up, events season is starting, and Christmas is on the horizon. This is also the time of year when the weather can become unstable. October marks the beginning of storm season in Queensland, and we want to make sure that you are ready.

Now is the time to carry out some preventative maintenance to ensure your home is best placed to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way. We have put together some tips that have served us well, and we hope they help you prepare.

CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

Ensuring your gutters are free from debris such as sticks and leaves will allow stormwater to flow freely and help prevent water from overflowing and causing damage to your property or surrounding areas.

TRIM YOUR TREES

When was the last time you looked at your trees? Dead branches and overhanging trees can pose a significant risk to roofs, cars and people should they fall during a storm. Consider having trees professionally assessed and trimmed before storm season gets into full swing.

SECURE YOUR ITEMS

Look around your yard for any loose items and secure them. Outdoor furniture, pot plants, garden equipment and other loose objects can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, potentially damaging not only your home but your neighbours’ homes too.

KNOW YOUR AREA

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, make sure you understand your local flood risk and have a plan in place. Sandbags may also be useful to have on hand to help protect doorways and garages if flooding occurs. Remember, never enter floodwater and always follow emergency warnings and evacuation advice.

CHECK YOUR FUEL LEVELS

Now is also a good time to avoid letting your fuel tank get too low. Previous severe weather events have seen fuel availability become an issue in some regions, so keeping your vehicle topped up can be a simple way to prepare for potential disruptions.

HAVE A WATER SUPPLY

It’s a good idea to have an adequate supply of drinking water stored in case your water supply is interrupted. Store water in clean, food-safe containers and keep it somewhere cool and accessible.

If you have young children, avoid filling bathtubs or other open containers with water, as they can present a safety risk. Instead, consider keeping sealed water containers or water-safe jerry cans on hand.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT

You might find yourself needing to leave in a hurry, and having an emergency kit ready is one less thing you have to worry about.

Your emergency kit should include essentials such as a first aid kit, torch, batteries, important documents, food, drinking water, medications and essential toiletries.

MEDICATIONS

Keep a supply of any medications that you or your family members may need. Aim to have enough to see you through several days in case pharmacies are closed or access to them is disrupted.

FOOD

Should you lose power, it is always a good idea to have food on hand that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, particularly if you have young children.

Think canned food, long-life milk, baby food, fruit cups and other pantry staples. Remember to keep a manual can opener with your supplies.

THINK OF THE ANIMALS

Don’t forget about your pets. Have carriers, leads or harnesses organised and ready to go, along with a supply of food, water and any medications they may need.

Make sure you know where your pets will go if you need to evacuate and check that their identification details are up to date.

RADIO & BATTERIES

Invest in a battery-powered radio so you can stay up to date with emergency alerts and weather information if the power, internet or phone network becomes unavailable.

It’s also a good idea to keep spare batteries and a fully charged power bank in your emergency kit.

BE PREPARED

A little preparation now can make a big difference when severe weather strikes. Taking the time to prepare your home, family and pets can help you respond quickly and safely if conditions deteriorate.

For a more comprehensive list of tips and advice on preparing for extreme weather, visit Get Ready Queensland. You’ll find helpful checklists, emergency planning information and advice to help you prepare for Queensland’s severe weather season.

Stay safe, stay prepared and enjoy the warmer weather!