Community
12 October, 2024
Storm season is coming
WITH the wet season fast approaching, emergency services, local and state government are calling on the community to be disaster ready on this Get Ready Queensland Week.
Events were underway across Queensland and the Far North this week as part of the Get Ready Queensland Week initiative which was launched in Cairns on Tuesday with sessions also in Wujal Wujal (Wednesday), Mareeba (Thursday) and Cooktown (Saturday).
In these sessions Emergency, Fire, Ambulance and police services, council and more were present with stalls providing critical information, resources and tips that could prove lifesaving during extreme weather events like TC Jasper and the floods from last December.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority general manager, integration and coordination, Jimmy Scott said after the extreme weather events last year it was crucial for people to be prepared.
“We want Queenslanders to use this Get Ready Queensland Week as a time to prepare for the upcoming disaster season,” Mr Scott said.
“Ask yourself: Am I prepared? Is my family prepared? Don’t leave it until the last moment, because when a cyclone is bearing down or floodwaters are rising it’s too late.
“By following our 3 Steps to Get Ready – understand your risk, make a plan, and pack an emergency kit – you can put yourself in a strong position to sustain the impacts of extreme weather.”
As part of the launch, representatives from the Bureau of Meterology were present to provide the outlook for this year’s extreme weather in Queensland.
“The long-range forecast for the next three months is showing that Queensland is likely to have average rainfall but don’t forget that can still be several hundred millilitres of rain and still increase the risk of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones,” BoM representative Luke Shelley said.
“We expect daytime and overnight temperatures to be above average, the biggest influence at this time of year is the season, so irrespective of other things remember that the risk of tropical cylones, severe thunderstorms, heatwaves, fire and flooding is prevalent.
“Know your weather and risks, visit the bureau’s website to understand more, the bureau issues up to date forecasts and warnings, and download the app.”
Get Ready Queensland senior communications and engagement officer Faye Gibson said that after the weather events of last year it was more important than ever to not be complacent.
“We run this week every single year but when there are no disasters people do tend to get comfortable,” she said.
“But what we saw over Christmas time with TC Jasper is a reminder that we can go a number of years without disasters but they do happen, so we always have to be ready.
“Understand your local risks and know your local area, we also want people to plan. We’ve recently launched a plan tool on our website for you to prepare, not just for you, but your grandparents, pets and kids, and remember to pack an emergency kit.”
Visit: https://bit.ly/3NjbI6P
