Top five tips for weathering the storm
Queenslanders know all too well how destructive and unpredictable severe weather can be.
From flash floods to damaging hailstorms and cyclonic wind, communities across the Sunshine State have faced it all in recent years.
Ahead of storm season, RACQ asked Queenslanders to share their best preparation tips – here’s what they had to say:
1. Clean your gutters
A key step in every storm season preparation checklist is cleaning your gutters. When gutters are blocked by leaves and debris, water can overflow, causing roof leaks, blocking downpipes and increasing the risk of flooding. It’s also worth trimming overhanging trees and branches that could fall and block gutters or damage your property during a storm. Only do this if it’s safe and consider checking in on elderly neighbours or family members who may need help preparing their home.
2. Pack an emergency kit
It might feel like over-preparing, but anyone who’s had to hunker down during a severe weather event will tell you an emergency kit is a must. These are the essentials, but every household is different. Think about what your family would need if you had to stay home for up to five days without water or electricity and pack a kit that suits your situation.
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
- Fire extinguisher
3. Don't forget about your furry friends
Our pets are part of the family, so remember to prepare an emergency kit with the food, medication and other essentials they may need. Queensland storms can arrive quickly, bringing hail, strong winds and thunder, so have a plan to keep pets safe and calm during severe weather.
What to include in an emergency kit for your pet
- Non-perishable food and water
- Medication
- Comfort items, including their favourite toy
- Pet pads/waste bags
- Leash or carrier
4. Secure loose items around your home
Before storm season hits, take a quick look around your yard for anything strong winds could pick up. Secure outdoor sheds, pool furniture, pot plants, swing sets and trampolines, and remove any loose rubbish or debris before severe weather hits. It’s also worth keeping a few sandbags on hand to help weigh down items if needed. A quick tidy-up now could prevent your household items from becoming dangerous projectiles during a storm.
5. Digitise your important documents
As part of your emergency kit and evacuation plan, keep important documents together and create digital copies. If you need to leave quickly or your documents are damaged, you’ll still have all the information you need. This could include your passport, drivers licence, any prescriptions and insurance policy details if you need to make a claim.
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO)). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
Any advice provided by RDS and RACQO is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a purchase decision on the product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803, AR No.432492) (RACQ) are authorised representatives of the RACQ Travel Insurance insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine). Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine, and administers RACQ Travel Insurance as the managing agent on behalf of Tokio Marine. Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Any advice is general advice only, and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase, please consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs) available at racq.com or on request from RACQ.