Before the storm season begins, prepare an emergency kit and trim tree branches well clear of your house. If your property has large trees that are not protected under Council's Natural Assets Local Law 2003, arrange for an arborist to carry out a check-up.

You should also:

• check and clean your roof, gutters and downpipes
• identify loose objects in your yard such as outdoor furniture and toys that will have to be put away or secured if a storm approaches
• have a supply of plastic shopping bags to use as sand bags for emergency storm water diversion
• have masking tape and plastic sheeting or large garbage bags available for emergency rain protection
• familiarise your household with the following tips and information when a storm strikes

Download the Flooding in Brisbane - A guide for residents (PDF - 3.54MB), or view this information online.

Find the location of Council depots for the collection of free pre-filled sandbags.

The closest depot for Pullenvale Ward residents for sand bags - Darra - South Depot, 38 Shamrock Road

Watch a video on how to prepare for the storm season

Storm emergency kit
Prepare an emergency kit with these suggested items:

• a portable battery operated radio and torch with fresh or spare batteries and bulb
• a list of Brisbane radio stations for emergency information
• candles with waterproof matches or a gas lantern
• reasonable stocks of fresh water and tinned or dried food
• a first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge
• good supplies of essential medication
• strong shoes and rubber gloves
• a waterproof bag for clothing and valuables put valuables and certificates in the bag and put the bag in a safe place
• a list of your emergency contact numbers
• a car charger for your mobile phone

Try Council's new online home readiness checklist to see if your property is ready for a storm or severe weather event.

You can also read more information on how to prepare your property for summer storms on the Energex website.

Alternatively, download the:

• emergency kit check list (PDF - 90kb)

Find out more information about emergency kits for a home or business.

Watch a video on how to prepare your own emergency kit

As the storm approaches
When a severe storm approaches, make sure you have your mobile phone close by, and it has a fully charged battery. Listen to a local Brisbane radio station for information and disconnect all electrical appliances. Place your vehicles under cover or cover with tarpaulins or blankets. Shelter and secure your pets and animals.

When the storm strikes
When a severe storm strikes, stay inside, keep away from windows and remain in the strongest part of the house, which is usually the bathroom or cellar. If you are outdoors, find emergency shelter and do not stand under trees.
You should:
listen to your portable radio for storm updates
if driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines and creeks
avoid using the telephone during the storm
Find more information in our online safety during a severe weather event fact sheet.

After the storm passes
After the storm has passed, listen to your local radio for official warnings and advice. If you need emergency assistance, phone
000 (triple zero) - for life threatening emergencies
the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 - for temporary roof repairs or sandbagging
If you don't need help, check if your neighbours do.

It's important after a storm to:

• check your house for damage
• stay away from fallen powerlines. Report all fallen powerlines to Energex on 13 19 62
• beware of damaged buildings, trees and flooded watercourses
• be available to help neighbours if required

To report power interruptions, phone Energex on 13 62 62.

Brisbane City Council has partnered with the Early Warning Network (EWN) to provide Brisbane households with free severe weather alerts. The alerts are location-based, so you only receive warnings if your residential address may be impacted.

Alert types
Alerts are sent by:

• email
• SMS (optional)
• recorded message to your landline (optional)

If you choose both the SMS and landline options, only extreme alerts will be sent to your landline.

Weather events
By monitoring Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather warnings and other sources, EWN sends alerts based on potentially dangerous weather events. The alerts cover weather events such as:

• hail and severe thunderstorms
• destructive winds and cyclones
• floods from a number of different sources including king tide, storm surge and tsunamis

NOTE: the alerts sent by this service are not intended to provide a widespread 'general' type alert. These alerts are targeted to areas that are specifically going to be affected by an event. For example, if there are hailstorms moving across the Brisbane northside, but are not expected to affect the city and the southside, only residents registered in the predicted path of the storms on the northside will receive an alert.

Alert subscribers
You can use the free Brisbane Early Warning Service if:

• you are a Brisbane resident
• you register your residential address
• no-one else in your household has registered for alerts

Outside Brisbane, residents can get the alert service for an annual fee by contacting EWN.

Alert delays
All EWN alerts rely on independent telecommunications networks. As emergencies can cause some system failure, alerts can be delayed or not received. Keep a battery-powered radio handy as a backup in emergency situations and listen out for weather warnings.

Registration
Complete the online early warning registration form to get free severe weather alerts.
You can also collect a registration form by visiting Council, or contact Council to have one mailed to you.

Change your details
Registered subscribers can change contact details or the type of alerts being received.