Storm and cyclone season is well underway in Queensland, with the South Eastern Region (SER) already experiencing its share of severe weather which has lashed the state.

Heavy rainfall in December and January has served as a preview of what is expected to come with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) continuing to monitor the current La Nina weather event, which has already brought above average rainfall to parts of northern and eastern Australia over the summer.

Prepared for action at any time of the year, the State Emergency Service’s (SES) wet weather response in the SER has already kicked into gear having attended more than 730 requests for assistance from 1 September 2021.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) SER Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said personnel across the Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim and Somerset areas were well-prepared for whatever wild weather this summer would throw at them.

“We’re lucky enough to have 26 SES Groups in SER, made up of more than 760 active members, who are committed to keeping the community safe and assisting before, during and after a severe weather event but there are a few key actions residents can take to safeguard their property and ease the workload on our volunteers,” Mr Walsh said.

“When there is a break in the weather, it is a great chance to clean out your gutters and downpipes so water can escape quickly.

“Also take the opportunity to trim trees around your home and remove, or tie down, loose outdoor items like trampolines to prevent them becoming projectiles in strong winds.
“To prepare for minor flooding, please also have some sandbags on hand, which can be purchased from your local hardware store.

“Keep an up-to-date and fully stocked emergency kit on hand and monitor the BoM website for updated information and weather warnings, particularly if you live in a flood prone area.”

SES Regional Manager Wayne Hepple said the SES was well prepared for any upcoming weather events.

“SES personnel in SER have put in the hard yards, committing more than 34,500 hours of training between 1 July and 31 December 2021,” Mr Hepple said.
 
“Local residents can be confident knowing the SES is embedded into their local communities and ready to respond should they be called upon.

“All of our staff and volunteers are highly trained and have vital equipment on hand, including more than 20 flood boats, which are ready to be used when needed.”

QFES also has highly trained swiftwater rescue technicians as part of the Fire and Rescue Service, ready to respond in an emergency.
 
For storm and flood related assistance, please call the SES on 132 500 or lodge a request on the SES Assistance QLD app.

If the situation becomes life-threatening, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.