disasterinformation
Get ready Townsville
plan. prepare. survive.
shelter and evacuation options in townsville >>
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rior to each cyclone season, Townsville residents need to develop a Household Emergency Plan that includes evacuation and shelter considerations based on their circumstances and exposure to risk. Follow these key steps to determine your best sheltering option in the event of a cyclone: 1. What is your risk? >> Consider the location of your home. Council has identified areas that may need to evacuate if a storm tide or localised flooding threatens – review the Storm tide Evacuation Guide. >> Consider the construction and condition of your home. Do you live in an older home (built before 1982) that is poorly maintained, or do you live in a caravan or temporary dwelling? >> Consider your needs. Do you live alone, have pets or have special needs? You need to plan and prepare now so you can quickly evacuate and shelter in a safer place if needed.
2. Consider your shelter options: >> Shelter in place. If you live in a wellconstructed home located outside of a Storm Tide Evacuation Zone, your best option is to shelter in your home. >> Evacuate to shelter in a safer place. If you are potentially at risk, prearrange your evacuation with friends or family first. Consider commercial accommodation or shelter options in your community as a last resort. 3. Considerations when planning an evacuation to shelter in a safer place: >> Plan to leave early, well before strong winds start to impact your area. >> Allow time to secure and protect your property. >> Prepare supplies to take an evacuation kit. >> Check in advance if you can take your pets and pack supplies for them.
please note >> Shelters such as Places of Refuge or Cyclone Shelters should be considered only after you have exhausted all other options, or if you are unable to leave the warning area. Both types of facilities are intended as short-term options, have very basic amenities and limited capacity.
think. choose. act.
stay afloat this wet season >>
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ownsville is built on a natural flood plain and is prone to localised flooding during the wet season. Although council carries out extensive flood mitigation works to reduce the impact of flooding, it is impossible to floodproof the city. Don’t risk your safety this wet season. Always act responsibly near floodwaters.
Be Flood Safe! >> Don’t swim in or drink from flooded waters. >> Keep children and animals away from stormwater drains – drains can quickly turn into dangerous places during the wet season. >> Don’t drive across flooded creeks or rivers – you don’t know how fast the water is flowing or the condition of the road. >> Slow down and put your lights on when driving in the rain – it takes twice as long for your car to stop in the wet. >> Don’t drive around barricades when roads are closed.
managing your pets in a disaster >>
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wners should include pets in their emergency plans. A disaster may mean you need to evacuate or confine a pet at home. >> Plan ahead. Shelters and Evacuation Centres in Townsville will not accept animals. By acting early, you will avoid unnecessary danger and anxiety. >> Pets should be moved to a safer place before a potential disaster. This might be with relatives, friends, animal boarding facilities or a
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TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> DECEMBER 2013
temporary animal shelter. >> If you are evacuating and taking your pet with you, ensure you have: >> non-perishable pet food and water bowls >> a leash (possibly a muzzle) or a carry-cage, bag or box >> toilet litter or old newspapers, and >> pet’s medical history and vet contact details.