Flood Cameras and Grantham Siren
The Grantham Siren, located in Christopher Street, has been installed to alert residents of a flood emergency that is likely to impact the community's safety. It is important to note that this siren is only for alerting the community to floods that are likely to impact on community safety and is not used for smaller flood events or other risks such as bushfires.
You do not need to wait until the siren sounds. Leaving early while roads are still open is always the best practice.
The Grantham Siren flyer is a quick guide to help you get ready and prepare.
What is your plan if you live in Grantham?
Know your flood risk
Grantham is susceptible to flooding, or isolation due to flooding. Understand your flood risk before it does flood by checking Council’s Flood Information and Regulation and the Flood Information Portal (FIP). The FIP is a free tool that enables you to obtain specific flood data at selected points of interest on your property (where available). If you have any questions regarding how flood risk is regulated in relation to development or flood information requests please contact us on 1300 005 872.
Have a plan, Stay Connected and Take Action
If you are on the floodplain
When flooding is predicted and you are on, or unsure if you are on, a floodplain, plan to leave early even if you are uncertain what the flood levels may be.
If you are above the floodplain
If you live on higher ground, unaffected by flooding, be prepared to be isolated for several days.
Know your neighbours
Take the time to get to know your neighbours and community members, as they can provide vital assistance in an emergency.
Leaving your home
When planning to leave your property, the below points should be considered:
- Leave early, don’t wait to be advised, conditions can change quickly.
- Have a plan for your animals.
- Act quickly and follow the advice of emergency authorities.
- Take your emergency kit.
- Travel light. Don’t risk your safety.
- Lock your home to keep everything secure while away.
- Seek shelter at your pre-planned destination.
- Advise family and friends where you are going.
- Don’t walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
Sheltering in your home
If deciding to shelter at home, the below points should be considered:
- Shelter in your home, only if it safe to do so (above flood levels).
- Plan and prepare to be isolated for several days.
- Stock up with sufficient:
- Flood and water,
- Medication and medical needs,
- Supplies for animals,
- Other essential items.
- Have a plan for power outages.
- Advise family and friends that you are safe.
- Stay up-to-date with Disaster Dashboard.
It is important for individuals and households to be responsible for their own personal safety and protection of their property by ensuring they are prepared for emergencies and disasters. Click here for information on preparing for disasters.
What to do when the siren sounds?
If you hear the siren, and you aren't already on higher ground, move immediately. If you are able, let your neighbours know to move also.
Once you have moved to higher ground, seek further information and advice from a reliable source.
- Visit disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au
- Turn on the radio
- Check the local news
- Check social media
- Contact family, friends and neighbours
- For further information, call Lockyer Valley Regional Council on 1300 005 872
The siren is not a standalone system for alerting the Grantham community. Residents shouldn't rely on the siren sounding for all floods. It is important for individuals and households to be responsible for their own personal safety and protection of their property by ensuring they are prepared for emergencies and disasters. Click here for information on preparing for disasters.
What the siren sounds like?
When the siren is activated, the community will hear an alert tone followed by the following verbal message "Attention! Attention! This is a flood warning announcement. Go to higher ground now. Avoid low lying areas. I repeat this is a flood warning. Go to higher ground now."
Who can request the activation of the siren?
Authorised officers from emergency services and other government agencies can request the activation of the siren if a significant flood emergency threat is posed to the broadcast area.
The siren is one of many tools used to provide warning for flood emergencies, in a coordinated approach with partner agencies such as Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. The siren may be used along with other methods of sharing warnings such as the emergency alert system and media.
Testing and maintenance
As a safeguard to ensure the system is operating properly, the siren is usually tested twice a year on 1 June and 1 December, subject to weather conditions. The test will include the 'live' message telling you to move to higher ground, which you can ignore on this occasion, or use it as a practice run.
It is important for the community to remember these dates and not be alarmed should they hear the siren. Community messaging will be distributed leading up the test. Please ensure any family and friends in the area are also aware of the testing.
When activated, a siren alert tone will be heard followed by a verbal message informing residents in low-lying areas to urgently move to higher ground. The noisy part of the test lasts about 10 minutes and is necessary to ensure the system works correctly.
Testing time is a timely opportunity for the community to review their own emergency and evacuation plans.
For residents in low-lying areas, it is important to identify areas of higher ground to move to if the flood warning system is activated and to understand what roads may not be accessible once flooding begins.
Reviewing your Emergency and Evacuation Plans and Emergency Kit and getting to know your neighbours and community are all part of being prepared for an emergency, noting some people may need more help than others.
Make the time NOW to be fully prepared before an emergency occurs.
