Brisbane police are urging the community to remain vigilant towards severe weather risks as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves over southeast Queensland tonight and into tomorrow.
Brisbane Disaster District Co-ordinator, Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman urges the community to not become complacent.
“The preparedness that has been undertaken by everyone, including the community and emergency services, has put us in the position we’re in today,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said.
“However, I really don’t want to see loss of life through poor decisions.”
“Continue to engage with your local council disaster dashboard to stay up to date with the latest information and stay safe.”
Brisbane’s Regional Crime Co-ordinator, Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams says police are maintaining a strong presence throughout the region.
“Police are taking no chances when it comes to ensuring your safety and the security of your homes and businesses,” Detective Acting Superintendent Williams said.
Significant flooding risk:
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast high rainfall across Brisbane region this weekend. This is significant rainfall that will not only cause flash flooding but can lead to prolonged riverine flooding.
Multiple suburbs across Brisbane City Council and Redland City Council have been identified to be at risk of flooding.
Police are urging residents to check for flood maps on their local Council Dashboards – identify if your area is a risk and have an emergency plan in place.
The heavy and intense rainfall could also catch motorists unaware on the roads. Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it.
It’s not always the depth or flow of the water that poses the greatest danger, it’s what under the water that you can’t see.
Fallen powerlines risk:
Crews are on the ground to return power as quickly as possible to homes and businesses that have been affected across Brisbane region, including the islands.
Police would like to remind the community that wherever there is fallen powerlines, please STAY AWAY – the wires could still be live.
Fallen powerlines can be deadly. If you see one, alert people to the danger and call police or Energex immediately on 13 19 62.
Powerlines can be difficult to see among tree branches and debris so be extremely cautious when cleaning up.
Support available:
Police continue to respond to calls for service and conduct high visibility patrols to detect, deter and prevent crime across Brisbane.
Mobile Police Beat vehicles have been deployed to numerous suburbs across the city to connect with communities and the SES are on the ground assisting with fallen trees and structural damage.
Officers remain on Moreton Island and the Bay Islands to ensure a steady police presence and assistance is readily available throughout the severe weather event.
The Redland Water Police continue to take essential services and supplies over to the islands to assist in recovery efforts.
The police support available extends to any Domestic and Family Violence reports.
Requests for SES assistance can be made online and through the SES Assistance app on iOS and Android or by calling 132 500.
Important things to remember during a natural disaster
- Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services.
- Tune into warnings, remembering that phone and internet services may go down so know your local radio station.
- Locate your severe weather plan and emergency kit and evacuation kit if evacuation is a possibility.
- If you can, ensure your vehicle is in a sheltered and/or elevated location in case you need to evacuate.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbours.
- Make sure your pets are safely secured inside.
Alerts and warnings resources
- Bureau of Meteorology website for weather updates, weather warning and tsunami warning information.
- Queensland Disaster Management Services website for information on preparing, Emergency Alerts issued and current information on disaster events.
- Your local council website for local emergency management plans and evacuation information, routes and your local council emergency dashboard:
- Brisbane City Council: Disasters and emergencies | Brisbane City Council
- Redland City Council Dashboard
- Get Ready Queensland also provides advice for Tropical Cyclone Alfred and general information on preparing and recovering from disasters, including in language resources.
