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Redland City Council > About Redlands > Emergency management

​Be prepared for severe thunderstorms 

What is a severe thunderstorm?  

Severe thunderstorms in the Redlands are the most common of all naturally occurring hazards. They occur regularly across the region between September and March and can produce damaging winds, hail, lightning, torrential rainfall and flash flooding.

What can I do at the beginning of the storm season?

  • Trim trees and branches well clear of your home (Please note: A permit may be required. If in doubt, contact Council ph 3829 8999 before clearing any vegetation)
  • Check your roof, clear gutters and downpipes of leaf clutter
  • Identify loose objects in your garden or on your patio which may need to be secured or put away during a storm
  • Prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours
  • Check your home insurance is current and adequate
  • Make sure you have a battery powered radio handy
  • Ensure you have an emergency plan and a fully stocked emergency kit

 

What should I do when a storm is coming?

  • Secure loose items in the garden and on the patio
  • Look after and secure your pets
  • Tune to local radio – Bay FM (100.3) or 612 ABC
  • Make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone nearby or that you have access to a phone which does not require mains power to operate
  • Keep a torch handy
  • Shelter or cover your vehicle
  • Secure all external doors and windows
  • Disconnect unneeded electrical appliances
  • Keep your emergency kit close by
  • Be aware of any neighbours who may need assistance

 

What should I do when a storm strikes?

  • Remain indoors and stay away from windows, doors and skylights
  • If outdoors, attempt to find shelter away from trees
  • If driving, pull safely to the side of the road away from trees, power lines and waterways
  • Listen to your local radio station for updates
  • Avoid using a fixed telephone or other electrical devices during the storm
  • If your home is damaged and you require urgent assistance, call 132500 (SES)

 

What should I do after the storm passes?

  • Ensure no one has been injured and check to see if your home has been damaged
  • Call ph 000 for life threatening emergencies
  • Call the SES on ph 132 500 for assistance with storm damage including damage to roofs and fallen trees on buildings
  • Listen to local radio for warnings or information
  • Stay well clear of fallen power lines and report to Energex on ph 13 19 62
  • Call Energex on ph 136 262 to report power outages or get the latest power restoration updates
  • If you don’t need assistance, check on your neighbours

 

What should I do If someone has been injured? 

  • Make sure ph 000 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life 
  • DO NOT put yourself or others in danger
  • Try to remain calm and think before acting and try to reassure others 
  • Follow the advice of the emergency services


If you are not involved in an accident but are close by or believe you may be in danger, in most cases the advice is to seek shelter, go home if you are able, stay undercover and tune in the local radio stations for information and advice.

 

Related links

Emergency management