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Storms
 Like many areas of south-east Queensland, Logan City is subject to severe storms, particular those involving lightning. Cyclones are more infrequent, but are nevertheless a real threat during the tropical storm season (November to March).
Preparing for storms - in advance
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Trim trees and branches well clear of your home (keep trees under or near powerlines to a height less than 4m).
- Check/secure roofing.
- Clear gutting and downpipes.
- Clear yard of loose materials that may become wind-blown hazards.
- If possible, fit window shutters or, at least, metal screens.
- Energex prefers that trees not be planted under powerlines. It publishes a planting guide with suggested "powerline-friendly" trees. For more information, check out the Energex web site.
Preparing for storms - when storm or cyclone is approaching
- Listen to your local radio/TV station for official advice and warnings.
- Shelter and secure pets and animals.
- Store loose items inside (if possible, put outdoor furniture in your pool).
- Shelter vehicles under cover or cover with tied tarpaulins / blankets.
- Secure doors and windows and draw curtains.
- Put valuables, medications, spare warm clothing in plastic bags with your emergency kit.
- Disconnect electrical items and outside TV aerials and turn off gas.
- Fill bins and boats with water.
- In the case of a cyclone, fuel your car and park it under cover.
- Keep timber strips, hammer and nails handy.
During a storm
- Stay inside. Shelter clear of windows and skylights.
- If power is lost, listen to the portable radio for official updates (tune to your local station).
- If power is lost, turn off your stove, checking all items are off the hot plates.
- If power is lost, turn off and unplug your television, computer and other electrical appliances.
- If outdoors, seek solid, enclosed, shelter (not a tree).
- If driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines or trees.
- In the case of a cyclone, do not assume the cyclone is over if the wind drops. It may just be the "eye" of the storm. Wait for the official all-clear.
- If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part (hallway or built-in robe) under a mattress, doona or strong table/bench.
- Don’t use a fixed telephone during a storm (lighting strikes can cause high voltage power surges through the telephone equipment, causing injury to the user).
After a storm
- Don't ignore official warnings or advice.
- Listen to the local radio station (and/or TV station if power available) for advice, and information on damage and service disruptions.
- In the case of a cyclone, do not go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so.
- Check for damaged windows, walls or roof. Temporarily cover with plastic sheeting and nailed-on wooden strips.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Don’t use electrical appliances if wet.
- Once you have checked your own property, help your neighbours.
- Beware of damaged buildings, fallen trees, and flooded watercourses.
- Keep well away from fallen powerlines and alert others to keep away.
- Report fallen powerlines to Energex on 136262.
- Report road obstructions to Logan City Council or Police.
What about lightning?
- If you hear thunder 10 seconds after a lightning flash, it is only about three kilometres away.
- If outside, seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle or solid building. Avoid small structures or fabric tents.
- Never shelter under a tree or small groups of trees.
- If nowhere near shelter, crouch (alone, feet together), preferably in a hollow. Remove metal objects from your body and don’t lie down.
- Don’t fly kites or model planes, or handle items like fishing rods, umbrellas or golf sticks.
- Stay away from metal poles, fences or clotheslines.
- Lightning can, and often does, strike more than once in the same place.
First aid
If a person is struck by lightning apply immediate heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until medical help arrives. (You won't receive a shock from the victim.)
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