Queensland is no stranger to dangerous weather and tropical cyclones, which produce dangerous and destructive high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and storm surges.
The weather and its impacts can vary across the state and knowing your location will help you understand the hazards you may face. Get to know your local environment and research the potential impacts of severe weather.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the State Emergency Service (SES) want you to take these three steps today:
- Make an emergency plan
- Pack an emergency kit
- Prepare your property
Make an emergency plan with your family
This plan should reflect specific needs of all family members and outline the steps to take should an emergency arise.
Below are some steps to take and conversations to have to begin making an emergency plan:
- Research hazards and disaster arrangements for your community.
- Discuss possible scenarios and what you could do.
- Think about shelter and evacuation options.
- Think about why you may need to leave your home.
- Make sure everyone is prepared.
Read more information about making an emergency plan.
Pack an emergency kit
Pack an emergency kit with essentials that can last you a minimum of three to seven days in case you lose power or do not have access to clean water.
Pack enough supplies in your kit for every member of your family. Keep your kit in a waterproof container in an accessible location. Check your kit every season to make sure supplies are fresh and safe to use.
Examples of items to include in your kit:
- Food and water items such as water for up to seven days, non-perishable food, can-opener, cutlery and plates.
- Self-powered items including a torch, portable phone charger, power bank and a battery powered AM/FM radio with spare batteries.
- Medical and personal items including a first aid kit, medications and prescriptions, gloves and clothing, toiletries.
- Important documents including identification and insurance documents.
- Pet supplies
Click here for more information about packing an emergency kit.
Prepare your property
Storm proof your roof and keep your home and property in good condition by regularly checking your roof for repairs, keeping gutters clean as well as safely trimming trees and overhanging branches.
Secure, weigh down or put away any loose items around the house, yard or balcony. Items such as potted plants, outdoor furniture, garbage bins, and trampolines can become dangerous missiles.
Identify the strongest room in your home to shelter in during storms and cyclones. Usually this would be the smallest room in the house, with the least windows.
Read more information on how to prepare your home for severe weather, including cyclones.
Important things to remember during a natural disaster
- Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services.
- Tune into warnings, remembering that phone and internet services may go down so know your local radio stations.
- Locate your severe weather plan and emergency kit and evacuation kit if evacuation is a possibility.
- If you can, put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered and/or elevated location in case you need to evacuate.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbours
Alerts and warnings resources
- Bureau of Meteorology website for weather updates, weather warning and tsunami warning information.
- Queensland Disaster Management Services website for information on preparing, Emergency Alerts issued and current information on disaster events.
- Your local council website for local emergency management plans and evacuation information and routes. Find your local council. This will lead you to your local council emergency dashboard.
- Get Ready Queensland also provides a long list of alerts and warnings resources.
For non life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance, download the Queensland SES assistance app for iOS and Android devices.
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage - phone SES on 132 500.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
You can also call SES on 132 500 or visit 132500.qld.gov.au
