How to prepare for storms

Safety preparations to follow during a storm

While we live in the Sunshine State, we know it's not always blue skies. Sometimes nature takes its course and rain and storms impact our lives, so we’ve put together some helpful tips to follow during storms and cyclones in Queensland. 

Protect your car from hail damage

During dangerous storms, large hail can cause irreparable damage to cars. Padded car covers intended to prevent or reduce the damage caused by hail stones are available.

• The level of protection offered by hail covers will ultimately depend on the type of cover and the size of the hail.
• Hail covers are unlikely to prevent damage from very large hail however they may reduce the level of damage.
• As a guide, hail covers can cost from $200 to more than $500. The price will depend on the quality and features of the cover and whether it is custom made for your particular car.
• Practice fitting the cover before a storm. It can take a few attempts to get it on the car without too much effort.
• Avoid dragging the cover over the ground as it may pick up grit that can scratch the car’s paintwork.
• Avoid dragging the cover on the body paintwork when fitting / removing to prevent dirt / dust on the car causing scratches.
• Heavy or bulky covers may need more than one person to fit / remove and roll up for storage.
• Remove covers regularly to allow any moisture to evaporate. Moisture trapped under a cover could induce rust.

When buying a car cover, consider the following;

• Overall quality of the product i.e. fit, stitching, extent and thickness of padding, quality and durability of materials.
• Covers that don’t have padded sides are unlikely to protect side panels.
• Check that it has adequate tie-down points to prevent flapping or loss of the cover in high winds.
• Check the quality of stitching and the durability of the cover as it needs to withstand frequent fitting and gusty winds.
• Consider the size and weight of the cover. Remember that it needs to be stored when not in use. Storing bulky covers in cars with smaller boot/hatch areas can be a problem.
• Check that the cover manufacturer warrants the product for UV resistance and manufacturing defects.
• Choose a cover that best fits the vehicle – too big and it may flap around, too small and it will not fully cover the lower sections of panels.

Tune in to updates (radio/TV)

Listen to your local radio station on a smart device or battery powered radio for storm and flood updates. This information will help you work out if the storm has passed or if you need to evacuate. You should always avoid driving, walking, swimming or riding through floodwater. Floodwater could be contaminated with bacteria or disease, or have dangerous currents or broken roadway below. Check the Queensland Government disaster and alerts website

After the storm

Once a weather event has passed, here’s what you can do to start the recovery process.

• Only go back to your home if local authorities have advised it's safe to enter.
• Don’t attempt to enter your property if it feels unsafe. If urgent assistance is required, call your local SES on 132 500 and if you see an electrical risk, call Energex on 13 19 62.
• Don't allow children to play near flood waters.
• Keep damp areas well ventilated – open windows and let things dry out (if it’s stopped raining) but always maintain security if leaving the property.
• Take regular breaks, drink plenty of fluids and don’t let yourself overheat.
• Damaged or soiled items can be a health hazard, please remove to a safe area.
• Do not turn on any appliances that have been wet.