As Cyclone Alfred bore down on northern New South Wales, authorities issued widespread evacuation orders, affecting nearly 30,000 homes from Tweed to Port Macquarie. The storm, expected to make landfall as a Category 1 cyclone, brought wind speeds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall, further exacerbating flood risks in an already vulnerable region.
NSW Premier Chris Minns commended the public for heeding evacuation warnings, emphasizing the importance of timely responses to severe weather events. Despite these efforts, the prolonged impact of the storm highlights the importance of high-quality flood protection measures.
Flood Risk America’s Role in Cyclone Alfred
Recently, Flood Risk America designed and installed a custom flood panel system for the FedEx distribution center in Lismore, NSW. This robust install proved to be critical during Cyclone Alfred:
- Vulnerable entry points protected
- Potential flood damage mitigated
- Minimal recovery efforts
- Business continuity secured
Without these flood barriers, the FedEx distribution center could have faced hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, including lost customer packages, clean up, business disruption, compromised electrical equipment, and more.
One of the key factors in FRA’s effective flood response is its comprehensive flood deployment training program. This training quips individuals and organizations with the skills to deploy flood panels efficiently.
Lessons from Cyclone Alfred: The Importance of Flood Protection
The events surrounding Cyclone Alfred is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme weather and the need for proactive flood mitigation. Key takeaway include:
- Timely Flood Defense Saves Infrastructure – FRA Panels successfully protected critical buildings from extensive water damage.
- Flood Deployment Training Enhances Preparedness – Equipping teams with hands-on training ensures a rapid and effective flood response.
- Community Awareness and Evacuation Are Crucial – The public’s response to evacuation orders played a significant role in minimizing loss and ensuring safety.
Why Flood Risk America’s Flood Panels Were Ideal for This Project
When it comes to flood protection, not all solutions are created equal and not all flood protection measures are ideal for a particular property. For this project, Flood Risk America’s flood panels stood out as the perfect choice due to their unmatched customizability, rapid deployment, lightweight design, and superior water-tight seal.
- Custom-Fit Protection – Every flood risk scenario is different, which is why FRA’s panels can be tailored to fit any space. Whether the project required protection for unique entryways, underground areas, or large commercial buildings, the panels were customized to provide a seamless barrier against flooding.
- Quick and Easy Deployment – In flood emergencies, every second counts. FRA’s panels are designed for fast installation, allowing teams to deploy them efficiently before water levels rise. This minimized downtime and ensured critical areas were protected in time.
- Lightweight Yet Durable – Unlike traditional flood barriers that are heavy and difficult to maneuver, FRA’s panels are lightweight without compromising on strength. This made them easier to handle and install while still providing robust protection.
- Water-Tight Seal for Maximum Protection – One of the most crucial factors in flood defense is preventing any water intrusion. FRA’s panels feature a high-performance sealing system that keeps water out completely, ensuring the protected area remains dry and secure.
These advantages made Flood Risk America’s flood panels the ideal choice for this project, delivering effective, reliable, and hassle-free flood protection.
Mitigating Flood Risks in a Changing Climate
As climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe storms, communities must stay prepared for future challenges. Thanks to Flood Risk America's advanced flood panels, the FedEx distribution center is now protected for years to come, ensuring business continuity even in the face of rising flood risks.
FRA remains committed to providing custom, high-quality flood solutions that help businesses and communities stay resilient against whatever comes next. For more information on how FRA panels can help protect your business or community, contact Flood Risk America today.