Are you ready?

Prior preparation is the best way to survive any natural disaster.

While cyclones and flooding are most common in our area, we could also experience fire, tsunami, earthquake and landslide.

It is important to know what you will do in each scenario

• Know your risk.
• Decide in advance if you will evacuate or shelter in place.
• Know your evacuation route.
• Have an emergency kit.
• Take steps to limit damage to your property.

Prepare your family by discussing and writing down

• What might happen during a cyclone, flood, storm or bushfire?
• What will you do if an emergency happens and you are in different locations (school, work, home)?
• Where you would evacuate to?
• Your emergency meeting places.
• How and when to call 000 or 112 from your mobile.

Preparing your home, cars, boat and pets for all disasters

Ahead of our usual disaster season, when you have plenty of time to prepare, go through this checklist to make sure everything is ready. Preparing in advance saves time and reduces the number of things you have to do when a disaster is about to strike.

Home

• Clean up the yard.
• Trim trees and over hanging branches.
• Keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly.
• Remove debris from gutters.
• Check and fix loose fittings, such as railings.
• Check windows and install shutters if possible.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Hold a family meeting to prepare your household Emergency Plan so everyone knows what to do, where to meet, and how to get out.
• Identify how and where to turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas.
• Store poisons up high.

Car

• Ensure your car insurance is current and that it covers your asset adequately.
• When severe weather warnings are issued, park vehicles under cover, away from trees, power lines and waterways.
• Ensure your car is fully fuelled.

Pets

• Secure animals before an emergency event, or use a secure pet carrier/cage/leash if you are transporting them. Boarding shelters may also be an option for your pet.
• Ensure all vaccinations are current.
• Make sure your pet can be identified – tag and microchip them where possible.
• If evacuating with your pet, make sure you have their medications, food, water, bedding, leash, toys and consider their sanitation needs.
• Have a current photo of each of your pets.

Boats

Maritime Safety Queensland recommends that mariners plan, prepare and follow advice when it comes to severe weather season.

• Get a copy of the Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan for your area and read it.
• Explore your suggested shelter area or inlet before cyclone season starts.
• Update your contact details with the authorities.
• Organise options to move your boat if you will be away during severe weather season.
• Keep a record of emergency telephone numbers handy (for example, Regional Harbour Master, Volunteer Marine Rescue organisations, Queensland Police Service).
• Know when and where your vessel needs to be during an evacuation.
• Use suitable lines to secure your boat. Double up on mooring lines. Check they are in good condition and are the right size and length.
• Secure loose articles below deck.
• Secure all hatches.
• Check your boat is watertight.
• Reduce wind loading and remove furled sails and covers, bimini tops and any clears.
• Check all bilge pumps work and that all self draining holes are clear.

Warnings

The Bureau of Meteorology issues weather information and warnings.

The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group uses this information to make decisions about what action people should take.
 

WARNINGS ARE URGENT – you need to act immediately on the information provided.