NEWS
Brisbane’s residents are being urged to prepare for the summer storm season – especially after feeling the brunt of south-east Queensland’s unpredictable summer weather over recent years.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk (pictured) said council invested millions of dollars each year into getting the city ready for severe weather and it was vital for residents to prepare too.
“This financial year, council will invest more than $15 million to mitigate the effects of flooding, with major upgrades to Brisbane’s stormwater drainage network and the design and construction of backflow prevention devices around the city,” Cr Quirk said. “Council is also helping residents to prepare for storm season by offering free disposal of green waste weekends at any council transfer station on 8 to 9 and 22 to 23, September and 6 to 7, October.
“The devastating 2011 floods and the 2008 Gap storms offer a stark reminder of just how severe the weather can get, and why we cannot afford to become complacent about the dangers of winds, hail, heavy rains and flash flooding.
“Severe storms can result in property damage, flooding, power outages and isolation due to floodwaters and debris, so preparing for severe weather is crucial for residents’ safety and damage prevention.”
Cr Quirk said a further $1.5 million wouold be put towards a new SES depot to be built at Anstead.
“Residents can also take a number of simple low -cost steps to reduce their risk this season, such as, signing up to council’s free Early Warning Alert Service,” he said.
“More than 60,000 households have already signed up for the service which alerts them when severe weather may affect their residential address.”
Cr Quirk also encouraged homeowners and residents to get storm-prepared by:
• Preparing an emergency kit containing a torch, portable radio, spare batteries, first aid kit, emergency contact numbers and important documents such as insurance papers.
• Cleaning up the yard, triming tree branches clear of the house, cleaning gutters and downpipes of leaf litter, and checking their roof and skylights are in good condition.
• Putting away or tying down loose items in the yard, such as kids’ toys and outdoor furniture
• Sheltering and securing pets, and puttingvehicles under cover if possible or covering with blankets.
• Understanding flood risk using council tools, which they can find through the ‘Be Prepared’ website – www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared
•Ensuring valuables are stored up high if flooding is likely to affect your property.
Residents who sign up to the Early Warning Alert Service between September and March will also go into the draw to win a free Emergency Kit, courtesy of Council and Energex, with two emergency kits be given away each month.
“The devastating 2011 floods and the 2008 Gap storms offer a stark reminder of just how severe the weather can get, and why we cannot afford to become complacent about the dangers of winds, hail, heavy rains and flash flooding.
“Severe storms can result in property damage, flooding, power outages and isolation due to floodwaters and debris, so preparing for severe weather is crucial for residents’ safety and damage prevention.”
Cr Quirk said a further $1.5 million wouold be put towards a new SES depot to be built at Anstead.
“Residents can also take a number of simple low -cost steps to reduce their risk this season, such as, signing up to council’s free Early Warning Alert Service,” he said.
“More than 60,000 households have already signed up for the service which alerts them when severe weather may affect their residential address.”
Cr Quirk also encouraged homeowners and residents to get storm-prepared by:
• Preparing an emergency kit containing a torch, portable radio, spare batteries, first aid kit, emergency contact numbers and important documents such as insurance papers.
• Cleaning up the yard, triming tree branches clear of the house, cleaning gutters and downpipes of leaf litter, and checking their roof and skylights are in good condition.
• Putting away or tying down loose items in the yard, such as kids’ toys and outdoor furniture
• Sheltering and securing pets, and puttingvehicles under cover if possible or covering with blankets.
• Understanding flood risk using council tools, which they can find through the ‘Be Prepared’ website – www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared
•Ensuring valuables are stored up high if flooding is likely to affect your property.
Residents who sign up to the Early Warning Alert Service between September and March will also go into the draw to win a free Emergency Kit, courtesy of Council and Energex, with two emergency kits be given away each month.
