Why Flood-Proofing Your Life is a QLD Priority
Following our guide on the “Summer Swap,” there is another seasonal reality every Queenslander must face: the risk of major flooding. While the “Summer Swap” focuses on securing loose items against high winds, a flood-ready plan is about protecting your most valuable, irreplaceable possessions from rising waters.
Queensland is the most flood-prone state in Australia. With nearly one-third of all properties in the state at risk, and areas like Brisbane being the only major Australian capital built entirely on a floodplain, “waiting and seeing” isn’t a strategy, it’s a risk.
At Big Box Self Storage, we’ve seen firsthand how a little foresight can save a lifetime of memories. That’s where flood-proofing using storage can save heartbreak and loss of those valuable and sentimental items.
The Reality of Queensland Floods
Whether it’s the “riverine” flooding seen in the historic 1974, 2011, or 2022 events, or the “flash flooding” caused by sudden summer supercells, water moves with terrifying speed. In the 2022 Brisbane floods, some areas saw over 1,000mm of rain in just a few days, turning quiet streets into rushing rivers.
Beyond the immediate danger, the aftermath of a flood is often worse. “Flood mud” is a toxic mix of river silt, sewage, and debris that can permanently ruin furniture and porous materials within hours.
Creating Your “Flood-Free” Zone
If you live in a low-lying area or near a creek, your garage or ground-level storage is the most vulnerable part of your home. To truly protect your belongings, you need to move them to higher ground. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website for further information.
1. Identify Your Irreplaceable Items
Standard insurance might cover a new sofa, but it can’t replace your grandmother’s wedding photo, your child’s first drawings, or your family’s legal documents.
- The Go-Bag for Memories: Gather photos, certificates, and hard drives into plastic, waterproof tubs.
- The High-Ground Strategy: During the peak of the storm season, move these tubs to an upper floor or, better yet, a secure, elevated storage unit at Big Box.
2. Elevate Your Lifestyle (Literally)
If you are Renovating or “Swapping” your home for summer, use the opportunity to get heavy or moisture-sensitive items off the ground:
- Appliances: If a flood warning is issued, try to raise fridges and washing machines onto sturdy benches or bricks.
- Furniture: Don’t just leave sofas on the carpet. Use “bed risers” or move them to a facility that uses elevated, purpose-built storage modules.
3. Protect Your Business Assets
For local small business owners, a flood can be a total knockout. Storing your excess inventory, tax records, and expensive tools in a professional storage facility ensures that even if your shopfront is affected, your business can bounce back quickly.
The Golden Rule: Act Early
The most dangerous mistake you can make is waiting for the rain to start before you decide to move your things.
- Road Closures: Once the water starts rising, local roads and bridges (like the Indooroopilly or Victoria bridges in past events) can close within minutes, trapping you and your belongings in a danger zone.
- Safety First: Emergency services live by the motto: “If it’s flooded, forget it.” Never attempt to drive a car or trailer full of belongings through floodwaters.
Why Choose Big Box for Flood Protection?
Our facilities are strategically located and designed with Queensland’s unique challenges in mind. By choosing a unit with elevated flooring and climate control, you aren’t just protecting your items from water, you’re protecting them from the mould and humidity that linger long after the clouds have cleared.
Don’t leave it to chance this summer. Call us today for storage pricing and availability