Since the start of the wet season, Queenslanders have been told to be prepared for flooding as La Niña 2022 is expected to make it harder to predict the intensity of rainfall, especially in areas near the river like Morningside.
Showers, thunderstorms, and rain bombs will cause flooding that will change quickly and likely not provide enough time to warn the locals but here are five tips to mitigate flooding disasters for Morningside residents.
1. Fix your home or property, especially outdoors.
Home and business owners must survey their lawns and outdoor area and then cut down overhanging branches to prevent these from falling and damaging properties. Check and clean the gutters and then get on with fixing broken roof tiles and other minor damages around your house or building.
Come up with an evacuation plan in case of major flooding and consider moving valued possessions from the lower level of your house to the upper floors.
2. Collect your free sandbags.
For the first time ever, Brisbane City Council is giving away 150,000 free sandbags for residents. Morningside homeowners may collect these at either the Balmoral Depot on Redfern Street or the Lota Depot on Herbert Street.
Staff and volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES) will train locals on how to use these sandbags.
Per Council, “Sandbags can be used to reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. Sandbags will not stop flood water entirely but can reduce the amount of water entering your premises.”
3. Don’t forget to pack an emergency bag.
Be sure to pack an emergency bag that has all your essentials in case the family needs to move out. Get Ready Queensland has a comprehensive list of items that should be in the bag, including toiletries, drinking water, and batteries.
4. Sign up for the new Flood Information app.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is urging all residents to sign up for the new Flood Information service so they can be better prepared during a major weather event.
“During the February flood event, this service distributed about 2.7 million email and SMS alerts to residents who had signed up to receive them,” the mayor said. “These alerts are based on the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice. We need more Brisbane residents signed up for this service.”
Residents who sign up for the alert system before 1 December 2022 may have a chance to win prizes, including an all-expense paid holiday to Tangalooma Island Resort in Moreton Island. Learn more about this incentive.
Remember, hope for the best but prepare for the worst!