Storms
Severe storms are very localised events, not usually affecting wide areas as tropical cyclones and floods do, so their devastating impact is often under-estimated. These storms can occur anywhere in Australia and do so much more frequently than any other major natural hazard.
On average, each year severe storms are responsible for more damage (as measured by insurance costs) than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires.
Unfortunately, storms also kill people; between five and ten deaths are caused by lightning strikes each year. Deaths also occur when strong winds cause tree limbs to fall, debris to become projectiles and small boats in open water to capsize. In fact, although many people believe that tornadoes do not occur in Australia, 41 tornado-related deaths have been recorded here.
Severe Storm Action Guide
1. Before the Storm Season
- Trim tree branches well clear of your house.
- Have a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries
- Have a first aid kit (and basic knowledge)
- List your emergency contact numbers
- Clear yard of loose objects
- Clean and check roof, guttering and downpipes
- Familiarise your family with this storm action guide
- Have masking tape (for glass), plastic sheeting and large garbage bags (for emergency rain protection).
2. As the Storm Approaches
- Listen to local radio for information
- Shelter and secure pets and animals
- Shelter vehicles or cover with tarpaulin/blankets
- Disconnect all electrical appliances
- Tape (cross fashion 'x') or cover large windows
3. When the Storm Strikes
- Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, in the strongest part of the house (bathroom, cellar)
- If necessary, cover yourself with a mattress, blanket, doona or tarpaulin, under a table
- Listen to your portable radio for storm updates
- If outdoors find emergency shelter (not under a tree)
- If driving, stop clear of trees, power lines or streams
- Avoid using the telephone during the storm
4. After the Storm Passes
- Check your house for damage
- Listen to local radio for official warnings/advice
- If you need emergency assistance, consult the Emergency Assistance section
- If you don't need help, check your neighbours
- Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded watercourses
- Don't go sight seeing, stay home and help others
5. Emergency Assistance (Who and when to call)
Here is a contact list of services to call for assistance after a severe storm. Copy these phone numbers down and keep them in a safe place near the phone. Enter phone numbers now, don't wait until a storm strikes. Look in your local directory on the page for 'all other emergencies' (referred to on inside cover), or in the state government, or general pages. Note 24hr emergency numbers if listed. Avoid using the phone during storms (lightning danger)
- State/Territory Emergency Service
Call your nearest unit for emergency assistance with house damage, and/or advice about temporaryaccommodation, food and clothing. Ipswich District - State Emergency Service 07 3202 1711 other areas look in your local white pages
- Electricity Authority
Call Energex power failure, fallen power lines, or other electrical problems. Ipswich District - Energex 13 62 62 other areas look in your local white pages
- Water Board/Authority
Call your nearest depot if your household water supply is damaged or interrupted.
Ipswich District Ð Ipswich City Council 3810 6666 other areas look in your local white pages
- Gas Company/Authority
Call your local office for gas emergencies.
Ipswich District Ð Gas 13 25 95 other areas look in your local white pages
- Insurance Company
If you have sustained damage to property call your insurance company immediately to request information on what to do next and to arrange approved tradespeople to repair your home. This is your responsibility.
- Police, Fire, Ambulance Dial 000.
If unable to contact emergency services by phone:
- Listen to the radio for official warnings or advice
- Form a self-help group with family and neighbours
- Watch for emergency services crews who will be checking your area as soon as possible
- Brought to you by Ipswich City Council Emergency Management Service
Lightning Protection Action Guide
Danger During Thunderstorms
Each year in Australia lightning claims up to ten lives and causes over 100 injuries. Up to 80 of those injuries happen when people use telephones during thunderstorms and receive and electric shock, hearing damage, burns when lightning strikes telephone wires in their area. Take these precautions before and during thunderstorms:
- Take Action Now
- Protect yourself and family by following advice on this guide. Keep it handy on the fridge or by the phone.
- Check with your local council for advice on lightning conductors for home and other buildings.
If Caught Outdoors
If you hear thunder 10 seconds after a lightning flash, it is only about three kilometres away. The shorter the time, the closer the lightning, so find shelter urgently as follows:
- Seek shelter in a 'hard top' vehicle or solid building - avoid small structures or fabric tents
- Never shelter under small groups of (or single) trees
- If far from shelter, crouch (alone, feet together), preferably in a hollow. Remove metal objects from head/body. Don't lie down ( avoid being highest object)
- If your hair stands on end or you hear 'buzzing' on nearby rocks, fences, move immediately. At night, a blue glow may show if an object is about to be struck.
- Don't fly kites or model planes with control wires
- Don't handle fishing rods, umbrellas or golf clubs
- Stay away from metal poles, fences, clothes line
- Don't ride horses, cycles or drive in open vehicles
- If driving, slow down or park away from trees, power lines. Stay inside metal-bodied (hard top) vehicles or caravans but don't touch any metal sections.
- If swimming, surfing etc, leave the water immediately
- If boating, go ashore to shelter as soon as possible. (A bridge or high jetty may offer immediate protection.)
- Be sure the mast and stays of a sailing boat are adequately ' grounded' to the water.
If you are Indoors
- Before the storm arrives, disconnect external aerial and power leads to radios and television sets. Disconnect computer modems and power leads.
- Draw all curtains and keep clear of windows, electrical appliances, pipes and other metal fixtures (don't take baths or shower).
- Avoid use of telephones. In emergencies, make calls brief, (don't touch any metal, brick or concrete) and don't stand bare foot on concrete or tiled floors.
First-Aid
Apply immediate heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to lightning victims until medical help arrives and they will have a good chance of survival. (You won't receive a shock from the victim.)
Lightning Facts and Myths
- When struck, people do not glow or 'fry to a crisp' but the heart and breathing are often affected.
- Only about 30% of people struck, actually die, and the incidence of long term disability is low, particularly when first-aid is applied promptly.
- If your clothes are wet, you are less likely to be seriously injured if struck, as most of the charge will conduct through the wet clothes rather than your body.
- Average lightning bolts carry a current of 10,000 to 30,000 amps. An average heater draws 10 amps.
- Lightning can, and often does, strike more than once in the same place.
- Worldwide, thunderstorms are producing approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute!
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