How the weatherman prepares for storm season
Queensland meteorologist Tony Auden is urging Queenslanders to know their risk this severe weather season as new research reveals close to half only prepare when they receive a weather alert.
According to new RACQ research, 44% of Queenslanders admitted to only starting to prepare for storm season when they are alerted to a weather event in their area*. This is despite more than a quarter of Queenslanders (27.5%) noticing more severe and frequent weather events in the past five years*.
7 News Brisbane meteorologist Tony Auden said Queenslanders should be prepared for the full gamut of weather this storm season.
“We’re already seeing some bad fire and dry conditions across much of the State and we’re expecting the storm season to really kick into gear in November and December,” Tony said.
“While technically the climate drivers are neutral, the warm water could provide fuel for flooding and cyclone events, more so around the Christmas to new-year period.
“With warming oceans, these flooding and cyclone events won’t necessarily be more frequent, but with any that do form we are seeing a trend of rapid intensification.”
Tony said preparation is key, as is understanding your risk and knowing how you can build greater resilience for the future.
“I would encourage Queenslanders to know their risk, whether that be fire, storm, cyclone or flood and do the preparation while the sun is shining,” Tony said.
“My simple plea ahead of the severe weather season is a little bit of preparation now will save you a lot of anxiety later.”
“You can also think of changes you can make to your home to increase its resilience, like raising items off the bottom level of your property, raising electrical boxes or reinforcing your roofing and guttering to sustain strong winds.”
Through both short-term preparation and long-term mitigation, Queenslanders can build greater disaster resilience and reduce the impact of severe weather.
Here are Tony Auden’s essential tips for how you can prepare your home for severe weather and what you should include in your emergency kit.
Essential emergency kit items for storm season
- Radio (battery-powered, wind up or solar-powered)
- Torch and spare batteries
- Drinking water (10 litres per person to last three days)
- Food (non-perishable food to last three days)
- Toiletries and medicine
- First-aid kit
- Power bank
- Food and medication for your pets
- Fire extinguisher
Ways to prepare your home for severe weather season
- Secure loose items around the home
- Have an emergency kit packed with essential items
- Check on your neighbours and have an emergency plan
- Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains
- Trim overhanging branches and remove debris from your yard
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Things to note
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