SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging everyone to “Get Ready” for the summer storm season.
Mayor Peter Blundell said it was vital that Southern Downs residents had plans and made preparations for extreme weather events.
“As we all witnessed with the severe storm at Pratten in June this year – our Queensland weather can be extremely unpredictable,” Cr Blundell said.
“What we can do is prepare ’own our backyards’ just in case and that means simple things like storing drinking water and tinned food, clearing gutters and tidying up yards to remove potential missiles in case of high winds.
“Communities will always recover quicker if they have made the right preparations and plans for the storm season,” Cr Blundell said.
Council distributed 100 emergency starter kits at an information display at Rose City in Warwick earlier this week.
The starter kits contained an outdoor lantern, first aid kit, a radio with a torch and capability to recharge a mobile phone, information sheet with emergency phone numbers, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Queenslanders can also sign up for a personalised, step-by-step guide to create a resilient environment for yourself and your loved ones through the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS).
Commissioner Lee Johnson said a brand-new digital initiative allowed Queenslanders to sign up for their own personalised Get Ready program, was now available online.
“All Queenslanders can register by entering some basic details about their location and their local risks, and each week they will receive one simple task to complete. Building resilience doesn’t get much easier than that,” Mr Johnson said.
“Weather events are not just a possibility in Queensland, they are a certainty, and by registering for this initiative and completing the tasks we can become the most resilient state in Australia.
Mr Johnson said each year too many people waited until the last minute, scrambling in the dark without power and essential food and sanitary supplies and frustrated when help isn’t just minutes away.
“Don’t leave things to the last minute.”
For further information and resources on how to prepare for disaster visit
www.disaster.qld.gov.au/getready/
Or phone Southern Downs Regional Council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372)
