Queensland Summer Storm Season: A look back on the 2023 Catastrophe and prepare for 2024

Queensland Summer Storm Season: A look back on the 2023 Catastrophe and prepare for 2024

Parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria were battered by severe storms over Christmas/New Year of 2023. These storms brought destructive winds, torrential rain, and flash flooding, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Over 100,000 insurance claims were lodged being approximately $1.5b in claim in claims costs, with many that that remain outstanding.

Storm season is in full swing in Queensland. Since the official start on October 1, the SES has responded to nearly 1,000 calls for assistance statewide, predominantly for structural damage, such as roofs requiring tarping.
To prepare for an emergency, please keep these simple precautions at the forefront:

– Prepare a household disaster/ evacuation plan;
– Pack a storm kit that is easily accessible in an emergency;
– Prepare your home to mitigate damages;
– Maintain a list of emergency contacts – community assistance, reliable trades, family and friends.

Disaster/ Evacuation Plan

Research the potential hazards and disaster management plans specific to your local community. Consider various emergency scenarios that could occur, such as bushfires, floods or storms. Understand the actions you should take in each situation, including evacuation procedures, shelter options, and emergency contact information. Evaluate the potential reasons why you might need to leave your home and plan accordingly.

Emergency Storm Kit

An emergency kit is a collection of essential supplies to sustain you and your family during emergencies. This kit should provide necessities for several days, should power outages be experienced. Ensure the kit has enough supplies for every family member and is stored in a waterproof container in a readily accessible location. Regularly check the kit’s contents to replace expired items and maintain its readiness. Prioritise food, water, self-powered devices like torches, battery-powered radios, and cooking equipment, medical and personal items, crucial documents, and pet supplies if applicable.

Prepare Your Home

To safeguard your home during severe weather, ensure gutters and downpipes are clear to facilitate rapid water drainage. Trim overhanging trees and branches, taking caution around powerlines. Inspect your home for corrosion, rotting timber, termite damage, or loose fittings, and make repairs as necessary. Secure or store loose outdoor items like potted plants, furniture, bins, and play equipment to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles. Consider whether your home is situated near a body of water and how you might prevent water from entering your home.

Emergency Contacts

During an emergency, it’s crucial to have a list of emergency contacts, including community assistance organisations, reliable tradespeople, and family and friends. This list can help you quickly access support and assistance when needed. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. For non-life threatening flood and storm emergency assistance during severe weather, call SES on 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland.