‘Incredibly dangerous’: Gold Coast mother’s trampoline tie-down video goes viral
A mother in Queensland has been inundated with comments from concerned Aussies after posting a video of herself tying down her trampoline as Alfred approaches.
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A Queensland mother preparing for Cyclone Alfred has copped criticism from Aussies after posting a video of her tying her fully assembled trampoline to a wooden house pillar.
“Do you guys think my trampoline will go anywhere?” she asked in the video posted to TikTok.
“It’s stuck against the fence and I’ve just connected this ... I think I’ve done this right.”
She tugged the straps and said it “feels pretty sturdy”.
“That’s not going to take my house with it.”
But commenters were quick to weigh in as the video picked up speed on the popular social media platform.
“Seriously, that’s going to do some serious damage the way it is. it needs the netting taken off and put upside down. We’ve known the cyclone is coming for days now so should of (sic) already been done,” one person wrote.
“I reckon it’s going to rip the pillar off the house and rip the fence down,” another chimed in.
“You’ve just attached a rocket to your house!” a third wrote.
“I’ve been through 3 cyclones & lost all trampolines. What you’ve done is incredibly dangerous …. Take the poles & netting off, flip it upside down. You’re going to damage the house and the neighbours,” another said.
To secure a trampoline during a cyclone, you need to anchor it firmly to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile. Here’s the best way to tie it down before severe weather hits.
1. Use trampoline anchor pits
Heavy-duty anchor kits come with metal stakes and straps to secure the trampoline to the ground.
Screw auger-style stakes into the ground. Attach straps from the frame to the stakes, tightening them securely.
2. Sandbags or concrete blocks
Place heavy sandbags (20-30kg each) over the legs of the trampoline.
If available, use concrete blocks with ratchet straps to secure the frame.
3. Bury the legs
If you have time, dig shallow holes and bury part of the trampoline’s legs.
This method is useful if anchor kits are unavailable.
4. Disassemble the trampoline
If a severe cyclone (Category 3+) is approaching:
Remove the jumping mat and net (this reduces wind resistance).
Lay the frame flat or move it indoors if possible.
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Originally published as ‘Incredibly dangerous’: Gold Coast mother’s trampoline tie-down video goes viral