Prepare now for a wetter and hotter than average summer

With the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting a wetter than average start to the new year, Redland City Council is urging residents that now is the time to prepare for extreme weather conditions.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Jos Mitchell said the recent wet weather showed the importance of being proactive at this time of the year and was a reminder of the “if it’s flooded, forget it” rule.

“Now is the time to prepare. Don’t leave it until it is too late,” the Mayor said.

“BOM is predicting a 60 to 65 percent chance of above-average rainfall in the January to March quarter for Redlands Coast.

“Flash-flooding is a significant and real threat on Redlands Coast during severe rain events.

“The dangers for people playing or swimming in flooded areas and drains should never be underestimated.

“Adults also shouldn’t consider playing with their lives by trying to drive through flooded waters.

“If it’s flooded, forget it – is a long-standing and strong message that has become more relevant than ever due to the cars we drive nowadays.”

Get Ready Queensland says a car can be swept away in as little as 15cm of floodwater, and even in shallow floodwater, steering, electrics and the engine can all fail.

Alarmingly, research suggests many drivers overestimate their car’s ability to drive through water, even if they’ve never tried.

Vehicle-related incidents are a leading cause of flood related deaths, with more lives lost in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia.

In two separate incidents on Redlands Coast during the downpours of February 2022, drivers had to be rescued after driving into floodwater on Mary Pleasant Drive, Birkdale and Avalon Road, Sheldon.

“Your car can not protect you from flood waters. It is as simple as that,” the Mayor said.

“Keeping safe and free from flooding around your home is also important and is something that can be prepared for in advance.

“Cleaning your gutters is one of the simplest steps you can take to be safer during a disaster and prevent avoidable damage to your home.

“Redland City SES reports that leaking roofs caused by blocked gutters is one of the most common callouts during a rain event.”

Council also reminds residents there are two permanent sandbagging stations at Capalaba and Redland Bay:

Please note, enclosed shoes must be worn at all Council sandbagging stations.

Information on all active sandbagging stations on Redlands Coast is available on Council’s Disaster Dashboard.

Sandbags can be re-used as long they haven’t been contaminated by floodwater, oil, sewage or other contaminants.

Sandbags should be stored in a dry place out of the sun to prepare for future weather events. Wet or damp sandbags can rot.

The Mayor said that along with the rain, south east Queensland is also likely to have a hotter than normal summer.

“We need to be prepared for heat-related illnesses in our community,” she said.

“When it is clear outside, remember to stay hydrated, keep out of the sun and check on neighbours. And don’t forget to keep your pets cool also.”

For the latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, including severe weather warnings, visit bom.gov.au

To opt in to receive Redlands Coast Alerts, visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard at disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.

For more wet weather preparation advice go to Get Ready Queensland