Rural Life

Disaster season is coming in hot, and council is urging residents to stock up their emergency kits, familiarise themselves with council’s Emergency Action Guide and get their emergency evacuation plans in place. Mayor Greg Williamson said now is the time to prepare. “Whether it’s fires, floods, cyclones or heatwaves, history has shown us that our best defence when it comes to disasters is preparedness,” Mr Williamson said. “We are asking residents to make a plan and discuss it with their family, so they know when to go, where to go, how to move and what to take. “We’re also asking them to get to know their neighbours who can be lifesavers in emergency situations. “The last thing you want to do in a disaster is to have to put a plan in place last minute when you’re stressed and not thinking clearly.” Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out on council’s Facebook page for tips and tricks on how to get prepared for disaster season. Suncorp Insurance’s Head of Home Claims Steven Hussey said that it’s important to educate and raise awareness of the simple ways Australians can be better informed, and therefore better prepared for severe weather, to protect their family, homes and mental wellbeing. “We’re a country battered by extreme weather,” he said. “Floods, cyclones, bushfires and storms are becoming more frequent and severe – yet our research shows Australians have limited knowledge and awareness about them. “The knowledge gap around extreme

Are You Prepared? The Five ‘Knows’ • Know When To Go – Listen for notifications from the

Emergency Dashboard or on

weather events is concerning and contributing to Australians being underprepared when it comes to managing their impact.” the official emergency broadcaster. Where possible, consider leaving before flooding/ cyclone/disaster commences. Stay up to date with the latest emergency news thanks to council’s online Emergency Dashboard, providing timely and relevant information to help you make informed decisions and be better prepared. • Know Where To Go – Identify now where you will go and let someone know where you have evacuated to and that you have arrived safely. PubThe Emergency Dashboard provides all lic cyclone shelters should be the information you need including latest your last resort as they may road conditions, fire incidents, weather not be open. warnings, storm tide evacuation zones and power outages, active evacuation centres and flood cameras. • Know How To Move – Transport options for people with medical needs or moYou can access resources including your bility issues as well as pets local emergency action guide, emergency require careful planning. guides for pets, radio stations and emer- Identify the safest route and gency contacts. consider potential hazards. Check your route ahead of time with road status updates and flood cameras, allowing you to take the safest roads in and out of the region. Keep an eye on what’s happening in the sky and the water with local weather radar and local river height updates. You can also opt in to receive text messages and email notifications of emergency alerts and weather warnings in our region. Access the Emergency Dashboard at disaster.mackay. qld.gov.au or via the link on council’s website.

• Know What To Take – Prepare an emergency bag with food, medicine, documents, flashlight, phone chargers and pet items. You may be away from home for several days. • Know Your Neighbours –

Think about who you could help in your neighbourhood or who might be able to help you. Neighbours are often best placed to assist with preparing your home before disaster strikes.

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